Alaska budget expert and fisheries economist Gunnar Knapp is retiring as director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
In a letter posted online Wednesday, Knapp said he’ll retire from the top position in June 2016, but he’ll continue to work part-time for the think-tank, to continue his research and public outreach about the state’s budget deficit.
“I can’t imagine a more interesting and rewarding career than studying and teaching about Alaska’s resources, economy and society,” wrote Knapp.
Knapp has been with ISER for 35 years and led the Institute for the past three. He’s considered one of the keenest observers of Alaska’s commercial fishing industry.
Knapp calls his retirement a “long-planned decision” he made in order to spend more time with his family and enjoying the outdoors. He also plans to “finally finish” his book on the Economics of Fish.
Hannah Colton is a reporter at a in Dillingham.
