Jane Lubchenco reportedly will step down in February as head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA is the parent agency of the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Showing posts with label Lubchenco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lubchenco. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Dear Jane
Last month, three independent experts sharply criticized a federal "biological opinion" on the Steller sea lion.
The National Marine Fisheries Service had used the controversial BiOp as the basis for restricting commercial catches in the western and central Aleutians. The intent is to leave more cod and other fish in the water for the endangered Stellers to eat.
The question now is whether the expert reviews will carry any weight in two ongoing forums on the Steller issue.
One forum is the federal courts, where the state and commercial fishing groups are suing in an effort to overturn what they regard as scientifically unsupported fishery restrictions.
The other forum is the federal bureaucracy, as NMFS prepares an environmental impact statement. A judge in January faulted the agency for not doing an EIS prior to imposing the fishing restrictions.
With that as background, here's an interesting letter the Freezer Longline Coalition recently sent to Jane Lubchenco, the Obama administration official who oversees NMFS. The Seattle-based group is among those suing the government, naming Lubchenco herself as a defendant.
In its letter, the group "respectfully" asks Lubchenco to notify the courts of the "new, important, and compelling information" in the expert reviews. It also asks her to "withdraw the BiOp."
The National Marine Fisheries Service had used the controversial BiOp as the basis for restricting commercial catches in the western and central Aleutians. The intent is to leave more cod and other fish in the water for the endangered Stellers to eat.
The question now is whether the expert reviews will carry any weight in two ongoing forums on the Steller issue.
One forum is the federal courts, where the state and commercial fishing groups are suing in an effort to overturn what they regard as scientifically unsupported fishery restrictions.
The other forum is the federal bureaucracy, as NMFS prepares an environmental impact statement. A judge in January faulted the agency for not doing an EIS prior to imposing the fishing restrictions.
With that as background, here's an interesting letter the Freezer Longline Coalition recently sent to Jane Lubchenco, the Obama administration official who oversees NMFS. The Seattle-based group is among those suing the government, naming Lubchenco herself as a defendant.
In its letter, the group "respectfully" asks Lubchenco to notify the courts of the "new, important, and compelling information" in the expert reviews. It also asks her to "withdraw the BiOp."
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Schwaab back as head of NMFS? Not really
Below is an internal note Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, sent to all agency employees the other day.
It says Eric Schwaab, the former head of the National Marine Fisheries Service, has "reassumed" that title.
Apparently, however, this is merely a Beltway technicality, and Sam Rauch continues to run NMFS.
Recall that Schwaab got promoted back in January.
Here's the Lubchenco note:
June 18, 2012
I wanted to let you know that, as of last Friday, Eric Schwaab has reassumed the title of Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Fisheries. As a general rule, the Vacancies Reform Act limits a person to serving 210 days in an acting capacity for a Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee beginning on the date the vacancy occurs. However, Eric will continue to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management. Please continue to work with Eric on all issues within the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management portfolio.
This move also means that Sam Rauch will revert to his permanent title of Deputy Assistant Administrator and Alan Risenhoover will again be the Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, but both will continue to fulfill delegated responsibilities for the Assistant Administrator as necessary.
I want to thank Eric, Sam, and Alan for their hard work and commitment during the time when acting in these official capacities, and I truly appreciate their dedication as they continue to perform these essential roles in support of NOAA's mission.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane
It says Eric Schwaab, the former head of the National Marine Fisheries Service, has "reassumed" that title.
Apparently, however, this is merely a Beltway technicality, and Sam Rauch continues to run NMFS.
Recall that Schwaab got promoted back in January.
Here's the Lubchenco note:
June 18, 2012
I wanted to let you know that, as of last Friday, Eric Schwaab has reassumed the title of Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Fisheries. As a general rule, the Vacancies Reform Act limits a person to serving 210 days in an acting capacity for a Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee beginning on the date the vacancy occurs. However, Eric will continue to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management. Please continue to work with Eric on all issues within the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management portfolio.
This move also means that Sam Rauch will revert to his permanent title of Deputy Assistant Administrator and Alan Risenhoover will again be the Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, but both will continue to fulfill delegated responsibilities for the Assistant Administrator as necessary.
I want to thank Eric, Sam, and Alan for their hard work and commitment during the time when acting in these official capacities, and I truly appreciate their dedication as they continue to perform these essential roles in support of NOAA's mission.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Oh, those tempestuous New Englanders
Saving Seafood, the very vocal East Coast fishing industry nonprofit, posted this entertaining item on its website.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Don't spend on 'ocean zoning,' Begich says
Here's an interesting letter from Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Eric Schwaab named new NMFS chief
The Obama administration today named Eric Schwaab, a Maryland public official, as the new head of the National Marine Fisheries Service.Schwaab takes over for Jim Balsiger of Juneau, who long held the position on an acting basis. Balsiger is returning to run NMFS in Alaska, source of more than half the nation's commercial fish landings.
Not trying to brag, but Deckboss reported back in December that Schwaab looked like the guy for the top NMFS job.
Anyway, here's the official announcement on Schwaab's appointment:
Feb. 10, 2010
Announcing the New Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries
Message from NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco
It gives me great pleasure to announce Eric Schwaab as the new assistant administrator for fisheries, starting February 16. We are excited to have someone with Eric’s experience and proven leadership to bring a fresh perspective to the management of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. Eric will lead NOAA’s efforts to rebuild our fisheries and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on them. His immediate priorities include improving outreach and relationships with recreational and commercial fishermen, better aligning federal and regional fisheries priorities, restoring confidence in fisheries law enforcement, and promoting management approaches that will achieve both sustainable fisheries and vibrant coastal communities.
Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in local, state and federal natural resource management. He has spent the majority of his career at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he began as a natural resources police law enforcement officer in 1983. He eventually served as director of the Maryland Forest Service; director of the Maryland Forest, Wildlife and Heritage Service; and director of the Maryland Fisheries Service. In 2003, Eric left the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to serve as resource director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies until 2007. He then returned to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as the deputy secretary. Eric has also served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee.
Eric is a creative and proven manager, consensus builder and leader. He has developed and implemented solutions to address challenges in regional habitat restoration, including Chesapeake Bay restoration issues, fish and wildlife conservation, public lands management, natural resources law enforcement, public agency administration, strategic planning and leadership development.
I am excited to welcome Eric to the NOAA family. He will work with NOAA leadership, the fisheries service, his fellow assistant administrators and our many constituents to further our efforts to protect and manage the nation’s fisheries, our other trust resources including marine mammals and sea turtles, and the ecosystems upon which they depend. Welcome Eric!
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Jim Balsiger, the acting assistant administrator, for his superb and sustained leadership. Jim has led the fisheries service for over two years in this capacity, far from his home in Alaska, and done so with distinction. He was especially instrumental in engaging the fishery management councils in the process of developing the draft catch shares policy. Dr. Balsiger will soon return to his position as NOAA Fisheries’ regional administrator for Alaska, but before doing so will assist Eric with his transition into the fisheries service and NOAA. I’d also like to thank the entire team at NOAA Fisheries who have done an excellent job during this period.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Fuglvog pulls out of contention for NMFS job
Arne Fuglvog has dropped out of the hunt for the top job at the National Marine Fisheries Service.
In this letter dated July 31 to Commerce Department Under Secretary Jane Lubchenco, Fuglvog said the process of considering candidates was taking much longer than he expected "and I am no longer able to remain a candidate."
Fuglvog is a former Alaska commercial fisherman now working on the staff of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
The Obama administration recently asked Jim Balsiger to stay on a few more months as NMFS chief while the search for his successor continues.
In this letter dated July 31 to Commerce Department Under Secretary Jane Lubchenco, Fuglvog said the process of considering candidates was taking much longer than he expected "and I am no longer able to remain a candidate."
Fuglvog is a former Alaska commercial fisherman now working on the staff of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
The Obama administration recently asked Jim Balsiger to stay on a few more months as NMFS chief while the search for his successor continues.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Ocean Policy Task Force to meet in Anchorage
Here's a press release with more details about Jane Lubchenco's upcoming visit to Alaska, as reported earlier today on Deckboss:
Executive Office of the President
Council on Environmental Quality
Washington, D.C. 20503
Aug. 7, 2009
Obama Administration Officials to Hold Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Anchorage Aug. 21, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Obama Administration officials will hold their first Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 21, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices.
The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided.
Who: White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Interior David Hayes
Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen
Deputy Assistant to the President on Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal
What: Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, Anchorage
Executive Office of the President
Council on Environmental Quality
Washington, D.C. 20503
Aug. 7, 2009
Obama Administration Officials to Hold Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Anchorage Aug. 21, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Obama Administration officials will hold their first Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 21, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices.
The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided.
Who: White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Interior David Hayes
Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen
Deputy Assistant to the President on Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal
What: Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, Anchorage
NOAA chief Lubchenco coming to Alaska
Jane Lubchenco, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is planning a swing through Alaska later this month.
"She’ll be here the week of Aug. 17 through 21, traveling with dignitaries from the Coast Guard and other agencies," a NOAA spokeswoman in Juneau told me today. "The group plans to travel in rural Alaska to see climate effects, ongoing research, and to talk with people in rural Alaska. Their aim is to learn more about the Arctic and to talk about interagency coordination on Arctic topics."
Lubchenco and other senior administration officials involved with the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force also are planning to hold a public meeting on Aug. 21 in Anchorage.
President Obama ordered the task force on June 12.
Still no word about what's on the meeting agenda, or who will testify.
NOAA, of course, is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. And under NOAA's wing is the National Marine Fisheries Service, which regulates commercial fishing in federal waters.
Lubchenco is a marine ecologist and environmental scientist who was teaching at Oregon State University when the Obama administration chose her as NOAA administrator.
One thing we'll be sure to ask her about when she comes to Anchorage: What's the status of hiring a new boss for NMFS?
"She’ll be here the week of Aug. 17 through 21, traveling with dignitaries from the Coast Guard and other agencies," a NOAA spokeswoman in Juneau told me today. "The group plans to travel in rural Alaska to see climate effects, ongoing research, and to talk with people in rural Alaska. Their aim is to learn more about the Arctic and to talk about interagency coordination on Arctic topics."
Lubchenco and other senior administration officials involved with the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force also are planning to hold a public meeting on Aug. 21 in Anchorage.
President Obama ordered the task force on June 12.
Still no word about what's on the meeting agenda, or who will testify.
NOAA, of course, is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. And under NOAA's wing is the National Marine Fisheries Service, which regulates commercial fishing in federal waters.
Lubchenco is a marine ecologist and environmental scientist who was teaching at Oregon State University when the Obama administration chose her as NOAA administrator.
One thing we'll be sure to ask her about when she comes to Anchorage: What's the status of hiring a new boss for NMFS?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
$3.4 million fine still hanging over Icicle
Icicle Seafoods Inc. could be one step closer to having to write a very big check as a penalty for some illegal king crab processing a few years ago.
But the dollar figure might not be as hefty as government authorities want.
That's the upshot of this recent 32-page determination and order signed by Jane Lubchenco, the Obama administration's newly installed head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Icicle has been fighting a $3.4 million civil penalty NOAA Fisheries imposed against the Seattle-based processor in late 2004.
Investigators charged that Icicle, through another company involved in seafood processing on faraway Adak Island in the Aleutians, exceeded its crab processing limit under the American Fisheries Act of 1998.
The central question is whether Icicle controlled Adak Fisheries Development Co. and used it to process millions of pounds of king crab over Icicle's limit. The company belonged to Kjetil Solberg, a former Icicle business partner.
Government authorities argue that Icicle did, in fact, control Adak Fisheries Development Co., and that it made substantial profits on the unlawful crab processing.
Icicle argues that, no, it didn't control Solberg's company, and it puts up a bunch of other reasons why it shouldn't have to pay any $3.4 million fine.
An administrative law judge upheld the fine in March 2007.
Icicle appealed that decision to a higher authority, which is where Lubchenco comes in.
She rules against Icicle on most points.
But she also kicks part of the case back to the judge for "clarification," and asks him to reconsider the fine amount.
In addition, she writes on page 31 of her ruling that she doesn't agree with the judge that Icicle and its Adak associates "engaged in an improper scheme to evade the law."
No telling, I guess, when this thing will be sorted out, or how big a check Icicle will have to write in the end.
But the dollar figure might not be as hefty as government authorities want.
That's the upshot of this recent 32-page determination and order signed by Jane Lubchenco, the Obama administration's newly installed head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Icicle has been fighting a $3.4 million civil penalty NOAA Fisheries imposed against the Seattle-based processor in late 2004.
Investigators charged that Icicle, through another company involved in seafood processing on faraway Adak Island in the Aleutians, exceeded its crab processing limit under the American Fisheries Act of 1998.
The central question is whether Icicle controlled Adak Fisheries Development Co. and used it to process millions of pounds of king crab over Icicle's limit. The company belonged to Kjetil Solberg, a former Icicle business partner.
Government authorities argue that Icicle did, in fact, control Adak Fisheries Development Co., and that it made substantial profits on the unlawful crab processing.
Icicle argues that, no, it didn't control Solberg's company, and it puts up a bunch of other reasons why it shouldn't have to pay any $3.4 million fine.
An administrative law judge upheld the fine in March 2007.
Icicle appealed that decision to a higher authority, which is where Lubchenco comes in.
She rules against Icicle on most points.
But she also kicks part of the case back to the judge for "clarification," and asks him to reconsider the fine amount.
In addition, she writes on page 31 of her ruling that she doesn't agree with the judge that Icicle and its Adak associates "engaged in an improper scheme to evade the law."
No telling, I guess, when this thing will be sorted out, or how big a check Icicle will have to write in the end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
