Snowe Continues to Monitor Enforcement Concerns at NOAA; Thanks Commerce Secretary for Visiting Fishermen in Portland
Press Release
U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today expressed appreciation to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke for his initial response to multiple allegations of abusive practices against fishermen and other fishing industry members at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office for Law Enforcement or Office of General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation (GCEL). Snowe, the Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard who last week called for the immediate termination of any employee found guilty of these allegations, thanked Secretary Locke for meeting with fishermen in Maine today to address the situation and pending allegations.
"I appreciate the steps taken thus far by Secretary Locke and his Department to reexamine the fines and penalties levied against fishermen acting by agents outside the bounds of appropriate authority, as well as the Secretary's willingness to meet with Maine's fishermen affected by these serious abuses of power," said Senator Snowe. "For centuries, fishermen have been the backbone of our coastal communities, and the Inspector General's findings of bias against them by some enforcement personnel in the northeast region are appalling. The agency still has much work to do, but Secretary Locke's visit today shows that it is headed in the right direction."
During today's meeting with Maine fishing industry representatives, Secretary Locke announced the release of $3.2 million for cooperative research programs and other assistance to the New England fishing industry.
"For years, I have been sounding a clarion call for additional funding for research that will provide better stock assessments and ultimately allow fishermen to take advantage of the increases in fish populations that have started to become apparent," said Senator Snowe. "I thank the Secretary and NOAA for their efforts to provide a boost to this vital industry today while ensuring its sustainability for future generations of New Englanders."
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