KINGSTON, R.I. -- February 19, 2001 --
Two University of Rhode Island scientists
have been appointed to three-year terms on
the prestigious Ocean Studies Board of the
National Research Council.
The Council, part of the National
Academies of Science, is an objective body
of experts that advises the federal
government on issues of ocean science,
engineering and policy. It also conducts
research at the request of federal
agencies, Congress or other sponsors.
Jon
Sutinen, professor of environmental
and natural resource economics, and
James
Yoder, interim dean of URI’s
Graduate
School of Oceanography, begin their
appointments in March.
Scott
Nixon, URI professor of oceanography,
was appointed to the board last year.
The Ocean Studies Board examines issues
such as fisheries management and the
sustainable use of coastal resources, and
works closely with various federal
agencies that have marine
responsibilities, including the Coast
Guard, National Marine Fisheries Service,
the Navy, and the National Aeronautic and
Space Administration.
"The board includes many very prominent
people, and I’m absolutely delighted
and honored to have been chosen to
participate," said Sutinen, a resident of
Kingston. "What gives me a thrill is when
something scholarly is used by
policymakers and makes a difference in the
world. I see the Ocean Studies Board as a
way to help make a real difference."
"The fact that URI has three members on
the board is astounding," notes Yoder.
"It’s a relatively small board, so
you wouldn’t expect three people from
the same institution to be appointed.
It’s a good sign that URI’s
reputation is growing."
In addition to the three current URI
faculty members, Robert Duce, former dean
of URI’s Graduate School of
Oceanography, was also recently appointed
a member of the board.
One key role the board will play during
the next several years is as an advisor to
the Oceans Commission, which was
established by the U.S. Congress in 2000.
The board will help to guide the
Commission on ocean science and policy
issues, including the potential
restructuring of government agencies that
have jurisdiction over marine
resources.
Sutinen’s research interests are
in the evaluation of fisheries management
and regulation, especially the compliance
and enforcement of fishing regulations. He
earned a bachelor’s degree from San
Francisco State University and
master’s and doctorate degrees from
the University of Washington.
A resident of Kingston, Yoder is a
biological oceanographer who uses
satellite sensors to study the
relationship between physical and
biological processes in the ocean. He
received degrees from DePauw University
and URI.
Nixon studies the ecology of estuaries,
lagoons and wetlands and formerly served
as director of the Rhode Island Sea Grant
Program. He currently chairs the Ocean
Studies Board’s new committee to
review the carrying capacity of the
Florida Keys and represents the board on a
committee studying the restoration of the
Everglades ecosystem. He earned degrees
from the University of Delaware and the
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
He lives in Wakefield.
For Information: Todd McLeish
874-7892
