Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has appointed veteran commercial fisherman Sam Cotten as acting Commissioner of Fish and Game. The governor said Cotton is among those under consideration for a permanent commissioner appointment.

Cotten served two terms on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and has fished for salmon in Kachemak Bay for many years. He was most recently a fisheries analyst for the Aleutians East Borough.

He has served on several fisheries related boards and been an advisor in fisheries negotiations between the United States and Russia.

Cotton also served 16 years in the Alaska House and two in the Senate. From 1989 to 1990 he was Speaker of the House.

Cotton replaces ADF&G Commissioner Cora Campbell.

Walker praised Cotten for his long history of public service, saying he is confident that Cotten’s strong fisheries background and legislative experience will guide the state through a critical transition period.

Outgoing Gov. Sean Parnell meanwhile made several fisheries related appointments to various boards just three days before Walker took office.

Parnell appointed to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute board veteran fish harvester and seafood cookbook author Tomi Marsh of Ketchikan and Allen Kimball, of Seattle, executive vice president of international sales for Trident Seafoods.

Parnell also appointed David Reggiani, general manager of Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corp., to the state’s Marine Transportation Advisory Board.

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  appointment, bill walker, commissioner, fish and game, governor, sam cotten