New US Administration

Rhode Island Governor Gina

Raimondo was confirmed March 2, 2021, by the U.S. Senate as the new Department of Commerce secretary, succeeding former Secretary Wilbur Ross. Raimondo will have authority over NOAA, which encompasses NMFS, the agency that oversees fisheries management and other agencies that make decisions regarding the use of federal waters, including the development of aquaculture and offshore wind farms and the management of marine sanctuaries. At her Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 26, 2021, Raimondo pledged to use science and data to help move the seafood industry forward and make distributing funding from the two COVID-19 relief bills a priority.

Paul Doremus, current NOAA deputy assistant administrator for operations, will serve as the interim head for NMFS after Chris Oliver’s departure in late January 2021. Oliver was a staunch supporter of all the regional fishery management councils, including the Western Pacific. President Biden has yet to identify his choice to replace Neil Jacobs as NOAA administrator.

Gina Raimondo