Dutton Joins Alaska SeaLife Center as New CEO

Posted on: September 16, 2008 | admin | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

(No Ratings Yet)

Seward, AK – September 15, 2008 – Dr. Ian Dutton has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center.

An Alaska resident, Dr. Dutton has more than 25 years experience in marine science and conservation. He joins the Center from The Nature Conservancy where he served as deputy managing director for the Asia-Pacific region and led science and conservation programs in nine countries.

As a researcher, Dutton helped foster innovative approaches to coastal and marine development across Asia and the Pacific. He established Indonesia’s first national coastal management act, led international coastal management programs for the University of Rhode Island and conducted Australia’s national scientific oil spill response training.

As an educator, Dutton helped develop public education programs; the establishment of the Songshan Nature Reserve interpretive center for the Beijing Olympics and the design and establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and a national bicentennial project in Australia.

“The Board of Directors are very pleased to have selected Ian as the president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center,” said Board Chair Todd Allen. “Ian has extensive national and international experience and also brings with him a passion for the health of the world’s oceans. Having been a resident of Alaska for the past several years, Ian understands how the Center and Alaska can work together to advance scientific knowledge and understanding of the North Pacific ecosystem.”

Dutton will take up his appointment in mid November and will work closely with a broad range of stakeholders to expand the research, conservation, education, and rehabilitation programs of the Alaska SeaLife Center.

“Alaska’s marine ecosystems are globally significant and underpin Alaska’s economy and way of life. I will work to position the Alaska SeaLife Center as a key partner with communities, industry, government, and education organizations to ensure sustainable use and improved understanding of those resources,” said Dutton.

About the Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a world-class cold water marine research and education facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska. Since opening in 1998, the Center has housed more than 50 research projects focused on declining populations of marine mammals and seabirds. It is the state’s only public aquarium and permanent stranding facility for marine mammals in Alaska.