Pandemic Flu Update - Northwest Fisheries Science Center

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service has asked Usha Varanasi, Ph.D., to assume oversight of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) while the process to select a permanent Director is underway. Dr. Varanasi is the Director for the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) in Seattle, Washington, and will work in both capacities during the job recruitment process.

"The Center is at a critical juncture now with the November retirement of long–time SWFSC Deputy Director Norm Bartoo, and because of the rebuilding of the La Jolla Laboratory and the construction of a new research vessel to replace the San Diego
— based NOAA Ship David Starr Jordan," said James W. Balsiger, Acting Director for National Marine Fisheries Service. "Dr. Varanasi brings a wealth of experience and scientific standing that will enhance the development of both projects while finding areas of synergy between our two Centers."

Varanasi has been the Director of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center since 1994, when she became the first woman to lead one of NOAA Fisheries Service Science Centers. Dr. Varanasi is an accomplished scientist, leader, educator and mentor for young science students. She is well known to the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, the states, and NGO communities. She is NOAA’s representative to the West Coast Governors’ Agreement, and has a long history of cooperative science among the two west coast Fisheries Science Centers. She is intimately aware of the challenges of the SWFSC and the importance of its science for management.

"It is a great opportunity to work with such a professional group of scientists as we expand our oceanographic research capabilities coast wide to keep pace with our rapidly changing environment," Varanasi said.

The Southwest Fisheries Science Center employs approximately 250 personnel in La Jolla, Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove and Arcata, California. The Center has been managed for the last two years by the Deputy Director, Norm Bartoo, Ph.D., who will retire this November. The selection of a permanent Deputy Director is currently underway and the announcement of the new Deputy is expected by mid–October 2009.

Learn more:

NOAA Press release
NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center
NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center

NOAA Selects Interim Southwest Fisheries Science Center Director