Anderson Selected As Oceanic Institute President

The Chairman of the Oceanic Institute Board of Trustees and President of Hawai‘i Pacific University, Chatt G. Wright, has announced the selection of Bruce Anderson, Ph.D. as President of the Oceanic Institute, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i, effective August 2, 2004.

“We are delighted to have someone of Dr. Anderson’s caliber and expertise take the Oceanic Institute to the next level,” said Wright. “His proven leadership ability, combined with extensive managerial experience, tremendous expertise in marine sciences, and a keen understanding of the people and culture in Hawai‘i make him the ideal person to lead the Institute forward.”

Bruce Anderson is currently Environmental Health Program Director at the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine. Serving as Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health from 1999 to 2002, he was responsible for a $450 million annual budget and more than 3,000 employees. Anderson served as Deputy Director for the Department of Health from 1987 to 1999, during which time he was responsible for managing the State’s environmental protection and health services programs.

Dr. Anderson received his Master’s Degree in public health, with a concentration in infectious disease epidemiology, from Yale University and his Doctoral Degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Hawai‘i.

Reflecting on the Oceanic Institute’s scientific contributions Dr. Anderson stated, “Today, more than 30 percent of the world’s seafood is grown in aquaculture facilities, and demand continues to grow. Developing aquaculture technologies in a sustainable manner, without adversely affecting the environment, will continue to be a priority for many decades to come.”

“At the same time, restoring damaged fisheries and protecting fish habitats are keys to maintaining our quality of life and, perhaps, our survival as a species,” continued Anderson. “The Oceanic Institute plays an important role in addressing these issues and will continue to do so well into the future.”

The Oceanic Institute’s Board of Trustees began its nationwide search for candidates for President of the Institution following the resignation of Thomas E. Farewell, Ph.D. in March 2004. Since then, Gary D. Pruder, Ph.D., the Institute’s Senior Vice President of Research and Development, has served as Interim President.

“We owe Gary Pruder our deepest thanks for serving as Interim President throughout the search process,” Wright added. “He has done a great job, and we appreciate his commitment to the Institute.”

The Oceanic Institute entered into an affiliation with Hawai‘i Pacific University on July 1, 2003. In addition to its research focus on aquatic food production and sustainable ocean resource management, the Institute will also be supporting the educational mission of Hawai‘i Pacific University.

“We saw the tremendous potential synergy that exists between the Institute and the University and the educational opportunities that, working together, we can offer students from around the world,” said Wright. “We are excited to make the Oceanic Institute, in partnership with Hawai‘i Pacific University, a global center for study and learning about marine and ocean sciences.”

The Oceanic Institute, located in Hawai‘i, was founded in 1960. The Institute is a not-for-profit, applied research organization dedicated to the development of technology and applications in aquaculture, environmental science, and marine biotechnology. The Oceanic Institute is an affiliate of Hawai‘i Pacific University.