Another Alaskan to head NMFS?

Wow, what's this talk I'm hearing about Arne Fuglvog being in line to become the new National Marine Fisheries Service chief?

Fuglvog, formerly involved in salmon and halibut fishing out of Petersburg, is now an aide to U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

I've heard his name mentioned several times as a contender to head NMFS.

That would be something.

Of course, we've already got an Alaskan, Jim Balsiger of Juneau, at the NMFS helm now. But because he assumed the post under the Bush administration, he's considered a short-timer.

In some ways, it seems unlikely that Fuglvog gets this prestigious position.

Let's consider geography, for instance.

So far in the Obama administation, we've already seen two West Coast people named to the most important jobs when it comes to ocean fisheries.

Gary Locke, the former Washington governor, is the commerce secretary. And Jane Lubchenco is administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, parent agency to NMFS.

Some of the most pressing issues facing NMFS aren't in the West but rather on the East Coast, particuarly New England where many fish folk have no love for the agency.

Anyway, Deckboss will surely be interested to see where Mr. Fuglvog lands.