Dr. Hanan’s Background and Leadership
Dr. Hanan is the founder and president of Hanan & Associates, Inc., a marine consulting firm dedicated to providing expert guidance to fisheries and wildlife agencies, municipalities, and foundations. With decades of experience as a fisheries researcher, Dr. Hanan offers extensive knowledge in marine ecology and fisheries management, helping clients develop sustainable and effective strategies for marine resource conservation.
Dr. Hanan earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and holds a Master of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). His academic background, combined with his practical expertise, positions him as a leading authority in the field of marine science.
Career in Marine Ecology and Fisheries
After retiring early from his role as a senior marine biologist supervisor for the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Dr. Hanan became the marine director at HDR Engineering, Inc., founded Hanan and Associates in 2001. His extensive career spans across both public and private sectors, focused on marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Expertise in Marine Ecosystems and Management Plans
Experience in Fisheries and Marine Mammals
As a marine ecology expert, Dr. Hanan has led and participated in research teams investigating:
- Nearshore and offshore fisheries
- Marine mammals
- Invertebrates and marine plants
His projects focused on marine ecosystems and population biology, leading to fishery management plan development.
Leadership in Fisheries Management Plans
Dr. Hanan played a key role in the development and implementation of several important fisheries management plans, including:
- White seabass plan
- CPS plan (Small Pelagic Fish)
- Market squid plan
- Swordfish fisheries developmentÂ
He also designed and implemented observer programs for various fisheries, such as:
- Shark/swordfish drift gillnet fishery
- Nearshore setnet fisheries
- Salmon troll fishery
- CPFV fishery
Committees and Advisory Roles
Dr. Hanan has been selected for influential advisory roles, including serving on two standing committees to advise the Secretary of Commerce:
- Pacific Scientific Review Group: Reviews marine mammal stocks, research, and fisheries interactions in the Pacific Ocean.
- Drift Gillnet/Pacific Cetacean Take Reduction Team: Developed and oversaw a plan to reduce marine mammal bycatch, achieving an 80% reduction in bycatch.
He also served on the National Ecosystem Principles Panel, commissioned by Congress to expand ecosystem principles in fishery conservation and management activities.
Contributions to Legislation and Research
Dr. Hanan contributed to the Report to Congress on Salmon-Pinniped and Greater Ecosystem Interactions, which was commissioned in the reauthorization of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
For the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), he was co-chair of the CPS FMP development team and chair of the CPS management team that developed, wrote, and implemented the CPS FMP.
Recent Projects and Clients
Hanan & Associates, Inc. has contracted with organizations such as:
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
- Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc.
- City of San Diego
- California Wetfish Producers Association
Our projects include extensive fisheries research and consulting in fish, fisheries, and marine mammal studies.
Panel Experience and Affiliations
Dr. Hanan has participated and is an active member of several panels and committees:
- Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel
- California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI)
- Pacific Scientific Review Group (advising the Secretary of Commerce on marine mammals)
- Pacific Drift Gillnet Take Reduction Team
- Congressional Pinniped/Salmon Interaction Working Group
- Co-Chair: CPS Fishery Management Plan Development Team
- Chair: Coastal Pelagic Fisheries Management Team
Other Roles and Recognition
In addition to his consulting and advisory roles, Dr. Hanan has served as:
- Advisor to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization on shark fisheries management
- Associate Editor for the California Fish and Game Quarterly
- Court-recognized Expert Witness for the City of San Diego
He is also a Research and Grant Reviewer for California Sea Grant, Saltonstall-Kennedy, and the City of San Diego.
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