Bruce Anderson, a well-known Hawaii leader in environmental protection, has been selected to be administrator of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources.
Anderson has more than 20 years of experience in managing health, environmental protection and marine resource programs, policy and issues in Hawaii.
DLNR Chairwoman Suzanne Case touted Anderson’s ability to find solutions to complex problems, as well as his being a hands-on leader who “works collaboratively with others internally and externally.”
Anderson began his career as state Environmental Epidemiologist at the Hawaii Department of Health focusing his research on ciguatera fish poisoning and other aquatic marine toxins. As deputy director for Environmental Health for 12 years, he worked closely with the DAR staff in addressing problems associated with sewage spills and other pollution threats. When appointed by former-Gov. Ben Cayetano as director of the Department of Health, he served on the State Water Commission. As president of Oceanic Institute, he led a team of more than 70 scientists, researchers and support staff in developing and transferring new aquaculture technologies to the private sector to produce shrimp, fish and other seafood in an environmentally sustainable manner. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.
Anderson was born and raised in Hawaii. He attended Punahou School, Colorado College and received his master’s degree in public health from Yale University and a doctorate in biomedical sciences from the University of Hawaii.