Gov. Frank Murkowski nominated Petersburg fisherman Gerald Merrigan today to fill the North Pacific Fishery Management Council seat left vacant in August by Arne Fuglvog.

Murkowski also announced Kodiak fisherman Duncan Fields and Juneau fisherman Joseph Childers, Jr., as alternate nominees.

The nominee recommendations are passed to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez to make the final appointment.

Murkowski said he was hopeful that Gutierrez would make the appointment in time for the next meeting of the NPFMC, to be held Dec. 4, in Anchorage.