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NOAA policing probe takes new steps forward

As his commission winds down, Ret. Judge Charles B. Swartwood III — the U.S Commerce secretary's investigative "special master" — is expected to make a return trip to Gloucester next week for interviews with fishermen and industry participants who contend they were egregiously mistreated by the federal fisheries law enforcement system.

Since his appointment last Sept. 23 by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Swartwood, who also chairs the state Ethics Commission, has been working from an office in Boston assigned to determine which — if any — law enforcement actions undertaken by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration were so unjust that compensating action "to modify or remit penalties" is warranted.

According to Locke's memorandum announcing his decision to launch a review of miscarriages of justice, Swartwood's term was to expire next Sunday.

Neither the commerce secretary's office nor JAMS — originally, the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service, through which Swartwood has been employed by the government — were able to say whether the contract has been extended, or when the report commissioned by Locke will be delivered. It's also unclear when Swartwood's commission formally took effect.

Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times.

HASTINGS: Time to improve the Endangered Species Act

May 18, 2012 - When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in 1973 by President Nixon, he spoke about the importance of preserving “the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” I believe that goal is as important today as it was back then. However, after nearly 40 years, it’s time to take a fresh, honest look at the law and consider whether there are ways it could be improved to do a better job of protecting and recovering species.

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