The assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management is responsible for ocean resource management, coastal management, and protected resources.
 
Dr. Larry Robinson left the position last November.
 
Concurrent with Mr. Schwaab's move, Sam Rauch, who now serves as deputy assistant administrator for regulatory programs at NOAA Fisheries, will replace Mr. Schwaab and become acting assistant administrator.
 
NOAA Fisheries is formally known as the National Marine Fishing Service.
 
The formal announcement is expected later today.