President

Don Kent has led Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute as president since 1998. Don came to the Institute in 1977 as a SDSU graduate student working on the growth characteristics of striped bass. He has participated on numerous Institute programs studying gray whales, assessing noise effects on animals, minimizing killer whale impacts on fishing operations and, closest to his interest, the development of marine finfish aquaculture. In 1983 Don worked with the recreational fishing community, the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Legislature to initiate the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP). As principal investigator, he was responsible for the planning and construction of the Leon Raymond Hubbard, Jr. Marine Fish Hatchery in Carlsbad, California, which was dedicated in 1995. In addition to his role as president, Don is the principal investigator on the Institute's Offshore Aquaculture Program and co-principal investigator on the Rockfish Mariculture Program and the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program. He is also leading development for the Institute Florida Marine Fisheries Replenishment Program.

Don is active on numerous civic and community organizations including, Chair, California Artificial Reef Enhancement (CARE) Program; Member, San Diego Downtown Rotary Club; Member, Military Industrial Legal Media Education Complex (MILMEC); Member, NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). He is an Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University and a Research Associate at University of San Diego. In June 2007, Don received the Stewardship and Sustainability Award from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for his pioneering research on marine finfish aquaculture and stock replenishment.

Don is a native San Diegan. He lives in Olivenhain with his wife and two children.