Charles W Fowler earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1973, has taught at five universities, and currently holds academic positions at two in addition to his position as Systemic Management Studies Program Leader at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS]) in Seattle, WA. His 29 years with the NMFS includes service as chief U.S. scientist to the North Pacific Fur Seal Commission, and as scientist on the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission.