Joint Boards nominate Vincent-Lang for top ADFG post

The State of Alaska Joint Boards of Fisheries and Game last night unanimously voted to nominate Doug Vincent-Lang as Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game. Vincent-Lang, who has more than 34 years of experience with the department, has been acting commissioner since last month.

With the nomination, Vincent-Lang’s name has been forwarded to Gov. Michael J. Dunleavy for appointment. Pending appointment by the governor, he will then be considered for confirmation by the legislature.

“I’m pleased there is unanimous support by all members of the Boards of Fisheries and Game. It speaks highly of Doug’s credentials and commitment to the department and the state of Alaska,” said Chairman of the Board of Fisheries Reed Morisky. “We look forward to working with him in the fish and game regulatory process.”

Vincent-Lang began work at the department as a fisheries research and management biologist for the Division of Sport Fish in 1981. He held the positions of regional management and research coordinator and assistant director for 28 years in the Division of Sport Fish.

During his tenure at the Division of Sport Fish, Vincent-Lang worked on a number of high-level research and policy issues for the state. He evaluated habitat needs and instream flow requirements of fish while working on the feasibility assessment of the Susitna River Hydro-electric project. He was instrumental in integrating planning into the management of Alaska’s recreational fisheries by leading an effort to develop and implement the first-ever strategic plan for the Division of Sport Fish.

In 2012 he was named director of the Division of Wildlife where he managed Alaska’s wildlife under the sustained yield principles and public trust doctrine principles. He led legislative wildlife issues on the state, national, and international levels.

In addition to his experience in both fisheries and wildlife management, Doug has served as the Endangered Species Act Coordinator for the State of Alaska. He has represented the state on a wide range of policy issues including climate change, arctic, and marine policy issues. 

He holds a B.S. degree in biology/population dynamics from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and a M.S. degree in Biological Oceanography from the University of Alaska - Fairbanks.