Alaska Legislature recognizes 65th anniversary of CFOS
Dean Bradley Moran and Rep. Ashley Carrick display a legislative citation recognizing the 65th anniversary of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
March 3, 2026
The UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences was recognized on Feb. 20 at the Alaska State Capitol with a legislative citation honoring its 65th anniversary.
Beginning in 1960 as the legislatively mandated Institute of Marine Science, the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences was created in 1987 to unify the many academic and research programs in fisheries and ocean sciences across the University of Alaska statewide system. The transformation to the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 2016 was the result of continued growth in degree programs, student enrollment, faculty and staff numbers, major research efforts, and the national responsibility of operating the Global Class ice-capable research vessel Sikuliaq.
With over 450 faculty, staff and students based in six locations across Alaska, CFOS is one of the largest and most geographically diverse units in the University of Alaska system, and undergraduate and graduate enrollment has increased to the highest levels in the history of the college. In fiscal year 2025, CFOS revenues of $72 million were the second highest among UA colleges and institutes.
"This is a well-deserved recognition of decades of hard work by numerous faculty, staff and students who collectively have advanced our mission," said CFOS Dean Bradley Moran. "My sincere appreciation to Representative Ashley Carrick and her staff for sponsoring this recognition, and to Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, Senate President Gary Stevens and UA Director of State Relations Chad Hutchison for their collective support and valued assistance. Congratulations, CFOS!"