Gov. Janet Mills announced today that she will nominate Carl Wilson, a highly regarded fisheries scientist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources for the last 26 years, to serve as the department's next commissioner. 

"I'm proud to nominate Carl to this vital leadership role for our state," said Governor Mills. "His vast knowledge and experience in the science, policy, and economics of Maine's marine resource industries, combined with the strong relationships and mutual respect he has developed with Mainers who make a living on the water over his 26 years at DMR, will serve him well as the department's next leader."

Wilson will be nominated to replace outgoing Commissioner Patrick Keliher, who recently announced that he will retire on March 14, 2025. Governor Mills will appoint Wilson to serve as Acting Commissioner until a permanent Commissioner is confirmed by the Maine Senate.

"I think Carl is an excellent choice to lead DMR," said Commissioner Keliher. "Over his years of exemplary service to the department, Carl's deep understanding of, and connection to, Maine's commercial fisheries has helped the Science Bureau adapt its programs to the impacts of a changing climate, incorporate industry's desire for participation in the science, and address the important need for better data to help manage and protect our dynamic marine environment."

First joining DMR in 1999 as the agency's lead lobster biologist, Wilson has served since 2015 as Director of DMR's Bureau of Marine Science. The Bureau oversees DMR's overall fisheries research and monitoring efforts and has a staff of 90.

"I'm honored to be nominated to serve as Commissioner at DMR," said Wilson. "It's a privilege to work on behalf of Maine's critically important marine resource industries. There are many challenges ahead, and I will remain committed to the collaboration necessary to confront them. That approach has been a strong foundation of the department's work under Commissioner Keliher."