SMEA alumnus Dan Hull spent much of his career gillnetting salmon and longlining halibut in coastal waters out of Cordova, Alaska. 40 years later as he retires from fishing, Hull reflects on his career as a leader in marine resource management, bringing his experience as a commercial fisherman to serve and advise on various fishing, research and education entities in Alaska and internationally.

Hull began coursework at SMEA in 1989, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound. After several years of commercial fishing, Hull arrived at the UW seeking a broad education that would prepare him for the varied needs of a career in fisheries management, from fisheries biology, oceanography and quantitative sciences to law, economics, sociology and anthropology. He completed a joint degree with SMEA and SAFS, and has since put his interdisciplinary knowledge to use in his work in both commercial fishing and serving on marine resource management and research bodies. Throughout his career, Hull witnessed the changes and the challenges that fisheries are facing due to climate change.

“The opportunity to make a living harvesting wild fish resources that have been sustainably managed, in one of the most beautiful and wild places in the world has been an incredible privilege; one that is much less viable for young fishermen today,” said Hull.

Hull served for nearly a decade as one of Alaska’s representatives to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC), including the role of Chairman for four years. During that time, He represented the NPFMC on the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) and the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC), an international fisheries management organization formed in 2016. Hull recently stepped down from the Prince William Sound Science Center Board of Directors, led by fellow SMEA alumni Katrina Hoffman. He continues to represent NPFMC as one of three non-federal U.S. Commissioners to the NPFC.

This year, Hull is excited to serve as a member and Chairman of SMEA’s newly appointed Director’s Council, working alongside a dynamic group of SMEA alumni and supporters as the School charts its course for the next 50 years and beyond.

Hull credits his perspective as a decision maker to his knowledge and experience as a fisherman, his understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks, and the science and policies that drive the management process. His time at SMEA was pivotal in his career, guiding managers in making decisions that will continue to sustain the resources and ecosystems in which they live, as well as the people and communities that rely upon them.

“There are truly exceptional people at all levels of the process to work with and learn from, and so many fascinating issues to be involved in,” said Hull.

To current SMEA students, Hull offers the following advice:

“Learn from the past: the history of any marine resource management issue, organization or industry is worth learning about to plan for the future. Get out of your comfort zone both academically and with respect to the perspective you bring to the focus of your studies. Reassess your preconceived notions. Stay engaged in current issues with faculty and students, as well as those who are working in your field. Find alumni and potential mentors in your field to talk to.  Everyone I know who has had a career in fishing or fisheries management recognizes the myriad challenges the next generations face due to the impact of climate change on abundance and distribution of fish, and the struggle that communities and economies face to stay resilient. I believe there are many who would like to support the next generation of leaders, analysts and decision makers to be successful.”