Fuglvog, a fifth generation fisherman who has served on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, has the endorsement of United Fishermen of Alaska, an umbrella group representing more than 30 fisheries groups active in the state.

The other apparent finalists are Brian Rothschild, a professor of marine science at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, who has the backing of Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., and James Balsiger, NMFS acting administrator and former head of NOAA Fisheries in Alaska.

AP Photo/Klas Stolpe Arne Fuglvog (left) captain of the salmon tender KAMILAR and legislative fisheries aide to U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, operates the winch scale as crewmen Ryan Littleton (center) and Brannon Finney steady a tote of salmon in this 2006 photo. Fuglvog is an apparent finalist in the competition to head the National Marine Fisheries Service. AP Photo/Klas Stolpe

An appointment announcement is anticipated within the next few weeks.

Balsiger was appointed as acting administrator following the resignation of William Hogarth in 2007. He is charged with management and conservation of marine fisheries and the protection of marine mammals, sea turtles and coastal fisheries habitat within the United States exclusive economic zone.

The National Marine Fisheries Service protects the nation's marine resources through scientific research, fisheries management, law enforcement and habitat conservation.

Fuglvog and Balsiger declined to confirm whether they are top contenders. Rothschild was unavailable for comment. According to various sources, including news reports, all three have been interviewed.

Mark Vinsel, executive director of UFA, and Joe Childers, UFA president, sent a letter April 23 to Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Jane Lubchenco endorsing Fuglvog for the top NMFS post.

"Fuglvog has shown an exemplary commitment to sustainable fisheries and fishing communities, and dedicated work ethic in the necessary reading and research to understand complex fishery issues," they said.

Fuglvog's combined on deck fishing experience, community leadership and deep understanding of fisheries management science will help NOAA Fisheries restore and preserve sustainable fisheries for the benefit of all U.S. citizens, they said.

Frank's office did not offer a letter of endorsement for Rothschild, but a spokesman for Frank's Washington, D.C., office said the Massachusetts Democrat has repeatedly endorsed him for the post.

Rothschild is the co-director of the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute and is on the faculty of the Department of Fisheries Oceanography at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology. His research interests include population dynamics, biological oceanography, fisheries management and natural resources policy. In 2004, he was awarded the outstanding achievement award from the American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists.

Balsiger began his career with NOAA in 1977 and has held other leadership roles in the National Marine Fisheries Service during his tenure. From May 2000, until he became acting administrator for NOAA Fisheries in February 2008, he served as the Alaska Regional Administrator in Juneau. He was the regional science and research director at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, where he also served as deputy science director from 1991 through 1995.