A.I.S. - Key Persons
In 1969 I decided I wanted to go to sea. With my interests in engineering, mathematics and commercial fishing I got a job at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Woods Hole working as a sea-going Biological Technician on the R/V Albatross IV. I was hooked on the sea… and the fish. The training I got in Woods Hole about the importance of data integrity and accuracy stuck with me for the rest of my life. After many years working on research vessels, fish draggers, and tuna seiners, I decided to work for the NMFS Foreign Fishing Observer Program in 1977 after the U.S. exercised authority over fisheries resources within 200 nautical miles of the coasts, under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. For over 10 years I sailed on fishing vessels from all over the world that fished for squid and mackerel. My time at sea set me on my path to start A.I.S., Inc. This company was born out of what I know best - fisheries observing and compliance inspections and monitoring to help manage a healthy marine environment. There is more to my story, and I hope I get a chance to share with you.