Appointment of John V. Byrne as United States Commissioner of the International Whaling Commission

The President today announced his intention to appoint John V. Byrne, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, to be United States Commissioner on the International Whaling Commission. He would succeed Richard A. Frank.

Dr. Byrne has held various positions with Oregon State University since 1960. He was an associate professor in 1960-65; professor and chairman, Department of Oceanography in 1968-72; dean, School of Oceanography in 1972-76; acting director, Marine Science Center in 1972-77; dean of research (acting) in 1976-77; dean of research in 1977-80; dean of graduate school (acting) in 1979-80; and vice president for research and graduate studies since 1980.

Dr. Byrne was Program Director for Physical Oceanography, National Science Foundation, in 1966-67. In 1966-68 he was a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

He graduated from Hamilton College (B.A., 1951), Columbia College (M.A., 1953), and the University of Southern California (Ph.D., 1957). Dr. Byrne is married, has four children, and was born in Hempstead, N.Y., on May 9, 1928.