Marine mammal biologist Gay Sheffield has been hired as the new Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program (MAP) agent for the Bering Strait region.
She will be based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus in Nome.
Sheffield has been a marine mammal biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game since 1997, and has been assigned to the ADFG regional office in Nome for the past three years.
“She’s been working with residents of the villages in the region for more than a decade, and has a great rapport with people there,” said Chuck Crapo, seafood scientist with Alaska Sea Grant and chair of the hiring committee. “Her experience with local issues, her science and biology background, and her connections to the region are what swayed the hiring committee. We are looking forward to her joining our team on February 28.”
“Among its many great qualities, the Marine Advisory Program provides technical assistance, educational and economic opportunities to coastal communities,” said Sheffield. “I look forward to being part of MAP here in the Bering Strait region, and working with our coastal communities on important issues including marine safety, subsistence, marine mammals, fisheries, and community economic development.”
