Kristina Alexander Among Eight New Appointees to NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Kristina Alexander, J.D., Endowed Chair for Marine Policy and Law at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has been appointed to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee. Alexander is one of eight new appointees made by the Secretary of Commerce to the committee.

“Sustainable fisheries are a key focal area at HRI, and we are proud to support Ms. Alexander’s appointment to this important advisory committee to help promote a healthy resource,” said Dr. Greg Stunz, HRI Senior Executive Director. “She brings a wealth of unique legal expertise to the group as they make key recommendations regarding a variety of topics related to fisheries management.”

Alexander has practiced environmental law for over two decades including work as a legislative attorney, where she examined legal issues related to wildlife laws, the National Environmental Policy Act, and federal lands management on behalf of Members of Congress and their staff. Her digital publication, “Guide to Fishery Management,” is used as a trusted source by Congressional staff and members of fisheries management councils and her reports have been quoted and cited by publications such as Bloomberg News and the Washington Post.

“It’s a great honor to be appointed to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee,” Alexander said. “I hope that my role on this committee exemplifies the institute’s ‘HRI Model,’ which integrates science, economics, policy, and sociological expertise when looking at issues facing the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.”

The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee was established in 1971 under a federal charter by the Secretary of Commerce to provide advice on living marine resource matters under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Members represent a diverse set of perspectives from commercial, recreational, aquaculture, seafood and consumer, tribal, academic, environmental, and protected resources interest groups.

The committee advises on topics related to setting national living marine resource policies, developing and implementing NOAA initiatives and programs, evaluating and recommending needed changes during the reauthorization processes for the Magnuson-Stevens Endangered Species and Marine Mammal Protection Acts, and assessing other areas of interest to the Secretary of Commerce relevant to the mission and goals of NOAA Fisheries.

“Along with the good work already being done by the committee, I am interested in developing strategies for U.S. commercial fisheries to compete against foreign imports, and ways to be prepared for climate-ready fisheries,” Alexander said. “I also look forward to being part of the policy decisions on the best ways to protect the endangered species of the Gulf of Mexico.”