We are pleased to announce that, after a thorough recruitment, selection and interview process, Pete Aarrestad has been selected as the new Director to lead the Inland Fisheries Division in the DEP Bureau of Natural Resources.

Pete received his BS in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University and an MS in Fisheries and Natural Resource Management from the University of Connecticut. He has provided leadership in numerous governmental and professional organizations, in particular as President of the Instream Flow Council, a national organization working to advance the scientific and ecologically sound management of riverine systems.

Pete has been with DEP for over 24 years in positions of increasing responsibility working with both marine and inland fisheries; most recently serving as a Supervising Fisheries Biologist in charge of the Inland Fisheries Division’s Habitat Conservation and Enhancement Program.

Pete will now lead the Inland Fisheries Division in its mission to conserve and enhance fish populations and aquatic habitat and continue expanding recreational fishing opportunities. This will be accomplished through the administration of five program areas; Fish Culture (hatcheries), Fisheries Management, Aquatic Resources Education, Diadromous Fisheries Restoration (fish that migrate between fresh and saltwater), and Habitat Conservation and Enhancement.

Pete is a native of Connecticut and an avid outdoors person who will bring great passion and commitment to the conservation and management of our fisheries resources.

Please join us in welcoming Pete to his new position.