Fisheries scientist with local ties nominated to lead DMR

Carl Wilson is state’s longtime lead lobster biologist

- ANDY WEBSTER

Gov. Janet Mills has nominated Carl Wilson, a fisheries scientist with local connections, to serve as the next commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources.

Wilson is nominated to replace outgoing Commissioner Patrick Keliher, who recently announced that he will retire on March 14. Mills will appoint Wilson to serve as acting commissioner until a permanent commissioner is confirmed by the Maine Senate.

First joining DMR in 1999 as the agency’s lead lobster biologist, Wilson has served since 2015 as director of DMR’s Bureau of Marine Science. The bureau oversees DMR’s overall fisheries research and monitoring efforts and has a staff of 90.

“I'm proud to nominate Carl to this vital leadership role for our state,” Mills said. “His vast knowledge and experience in the science, policy, and economics of Maine's marine resource industries, combined with the strong relationships and mutual respect he has developed with Mainers who make a living on the water over his 26 years at DMR, will serve him well as the department’s next leader.”