June 3, 2023 — The following was released by New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council has chosen Dr. Catherine “Cate” O’Keefe of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts to be its next executive director. Cate will replace Tom Nies, who is retiring.
Cate has over 20 years of experience in fisheries science and management. She is the owner of Fishery Applications Consulting Team. As its principal consultant, she has provided technical, research, and facilitation services to a wide range of clients, including the New England Council for scallop and monkfish projects. She also has provided services to offshore wind energy companies, fishing industry organizations, global consulting firms, academic institutions, and research organizations. She currently serves as vice chair of the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee.
Cate earned her doctoral degree at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST). Her dissertation was titled: “An incentive-based, collaborative approach to maximize yield by avoiding bycatch in the US sea scallop fishery.” She earned a master’s degree through the Boston University Marine Program in Woods Hole and a bachelor of arts in biology and fisheries from Hampshire College.