Gordon
Kruse
University of Alaska Fairbanks

My interest in fisheries began while growing up while catching winter flounder and blue crabs along the Jersey shore. After a BS in Biomathematics from Rutgers, a MS and PhD in Fisheries from Oregon State University, and a post-doc with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in St. John’s, Newfoundland, I began a rewarding 16-year career with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. I started as the statewide shellfish biometrician and later became a marine fisheries scientist, heading their marine fisheries research program. Since 2001, I have been honored to be the President’s Professor of Fisheries at the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (Juneau Center).

Since starting my career in Alaska in 1985, I have focused on very applied research driven by three fundamental questions: how many fish (or shellfish) are there in the sea? Why do their populations vary? How should they be managed? These questions have led to many collaborative projects in the areas of stock assessment, population dynamics, fisheries oceanography, and fisheries management. Much of my work has focused on crabs, but other research involves groundfish, sharks, herring, other shellfish, and broader ecosystem considerations, such as being fostered by the Bering Sea Project.

Particularly rewarding aspects of my work include interactions with fishermen, conservationists, and other members of the public who share a great interest in the marine ecosystems of Alaska. At UAF, I am most fortunate to work with a very talented group of graduate students, who provide a continuing source of enthusiasm and new ideas.