NOAA Fisheries Service Gets New Chief

ROCKPORT — Last month, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco announced a new head of the agency’s Fisheries Service (NMFS), Eric Schwaab.

 

As the new assistant administrator for fisheries, Schwaab takes over NMFS as it struggles to correct serious flaws in its fisheries enforcement operations identified by the NOAA inspector general. Schwaab has a strong background in fisheries management. Starting as a natural resources law enforcement officer for the Maryland Department of Marine Resources, he eventually became director of the state’s fisheries service. While in that job, he served on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission with Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Commissioner George Lapointe.

At the Maine Fishermen’s Forum last Friday, Schwaab offered The Ellsworth American his thoughts on some of the issues confronting NMFS and the fishing industry in the Northeast.

“We all share an interest in rebuilding and maintaining over the long haul more sustainable fish stocks and fisheries,” Schwaab said.

For more maritime news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.