AUGUSTA — A legislative panel on Thursday voted unanimously to advance the nomination of Carl Wilson to lead the Maine Department of Marine Resources. 

Fishermen and the aquaculture industry told lawmakers that Wilson’s long tenure with the department and experience as a scientist make him a good fit to lead DMR. He joined the department in 1999 as lead lobster biologist and since 2015 has led the Bureau of Marine Science. 

“We need somebody who can hit the ground running,” said Patrice McCarron of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. “He is well prepared to lead on day one.” 

Gov. Janet Mills nominated Wilson to fill the post following the retirement of Patrick Keliher. If confirmed by the Maine Senate, Wilson will serve as commissioner for the final two years of Mills’ term as governor. 

A resident of Alna, Wilson told the Marine Resources Committee that he wants to work with lobstermen to help address some of the most pressing issues they face, from potential reductions in allowable catch size to protections for right whales and pressures from offshore wind development. 

He said the industry may not always agree with him, but that he’s willing to listen and wants to work more closely with them. 

“As a scientist, I was always the one throwing a hand grenade into the room and now I’m the one who has to jump on it,” Wilson said. 

He also warned that the biggest challenge facing the fishing industry will be maintaining access to fishing wharves along the coast. The violent storms of early 2024 served as a reminder of how fragile the access can be. 

“When a commercial fish pier is sold, it’s not coming back if it leaves the working waterfront,” he said, noting that many fishermen can’t afford to live near where they work. 

Sebastian Belle, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, said he thinks Wilson has the type of skills to lead the department in an effective way. 

“He asks hard but fair questions, and he cares deeply about the communities along Maine’s coast that depend on the responsible management of our marine resources,” he said. 

The Maine Senate is likely to vote on the nomination when it meets on Tuesday.