The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is pleased to announce the appointment of David E. Pierce, PhD, as its next Director. Dr. Pierce brings 43 years of marine fisheries research and management experience to the position. As Director, he is responsible for the administrative supervision of the Division.
Dr. Pierce has been a Deputy Director with DMF since 2000, with his major responsibility being inter-jurisdictional fisheries policy and management as well as fisheries research in support of fisheries management and habitat protection. In this role, he has represented the Commonwealth’s interests on both the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, numerous management boards of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. Dr. Pierce began his career with DMF as an assistant biologist in 1972, earning advanced degrees in marine biology and environmental science as he ascended the ranks. Throughout his tenure, he has developed a strong track record of working collaboratively with public and private sector stakeholders to address challenges faced in the evaluation and management of the Commonwealth’s marine resources.
Soon after becoming DMF’s Director, David emphasized, “I’ve long recognized the excellent work of all sorts—scientific and otherwise—performed by DMF’s accomplished and talented staff who have been responsible for the agency’s excellent reputation. From our field stations to the Boston Office, our staff has created fisheries science and management partnerships we now must preserve and strengthen, such as DMF’s relationship with the University of Massachusetts through our Marine Fisheries Institute. Partnerships also include those with recreational and commercial fishermen helping us make more informed fisheries management decisions and improve the science on which we depend.”
The Director’s position is appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) with the approval of the Commonwealth’s nine-member citizen advisory board, the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission. On September 10, the Advisory Commission unanimously supported DFG Commissioner George Peterson’s recommendation of Dr. Pierce to head the agency. The Division’s former Director, Paul J. Diodati, retired from state service this past April. Dr. Pierce has served the Division since then in the role of Acting Director.