Austin -

Department veteran Phil Durocher, who has been Inland Fisheries Director since 1993, has announced he will retire effective Dec. 31. Durocher began his department career in 1974 as a Research Systems Analyst in the Data Processing Division. In 1977, he transferred to the Inland Fisheries Division, where he helped develop the standardized Resource Monitoring Program still being used today. From 1984 to 1991, he was Director of Fisheries Management for the division. During that time many of the length and bag limits still used today were implemented. The 14-inch minimum size limit on bass, the current statewide standard, made the black bass a sport fish in Texas, and dramatically changed the face of bass fishing in Texas and the rest of the U.S.

In 1991, Durocher became Chief of Inland Fisheries, and then 1993 he was named director of the new Inland Fisheries Division, where he serves at this time. "Under Phil's leadership, the Inland Fisheries Division has gained a national reputation for innovation and progressive fisheries management," said Executive Director Carter Smith. When receiving his 35-year service award at last week's commission meeting, Durocher said he is most proud of the part he’s played in building a world-class statewide fisheries program and in two major initiatives, creation of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens and passage of Freshwater Fisheries Stamp legislation during the 78th Legislative Session. Revenue from the stamp is being used to update the Freshwater Hatchery system, including building the new John D. Parker East Texas State Fish Hatchery.

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