Dale Jones, NOAA Fisheries Director of Enforcement, in a December 17, 2009 memo obtained by Saving Seafood, described a trip to the Northeast Regional NMFS office in Gloucester with NOAA Deputy Under Secretary Mary Glackin, NOAA Director of External Affairs, Andrew Winer and Assistant General Counsel Mary Beth Ward.  The primary purpose of the visit was to conduct “listening sessions” with the personnel of the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and NOAA Office of General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation. 

Director Jones noted that since that the Office of Inspector General was asked by Dr. Lubchenco to conduct a nation wide review of NOAA Enforcement and GCEL operations the review itself and media attention have created a "somewhat uncomfortable environment" for NOAA enforcement employees in Gloucester.

He noted that with regard to the review he does not yet have "any specific decisions or dispositions to report."

He said that he has "great confidence" in the work done by his staff, noting "it is that work and the level of high quality work and integrity that has made [the] agency what it is.  Decision by decision, action by action, over many years, [their] work has proven to be based upon a very sound, reasonable, and reliable foundation."

Director Jones noted that "the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and [their personnel] have great respect for the men and women of the fishing industry," and that "for the most part, those who are responsible for the more egregious violations are those who are simply looking out for themselves."  He said he raises these points "to acknowledge the fact that there are those who would seek to impede our efforts to stop illegal practices simply because it precludes or minimizes their opportunity to maximize profit at the expense of others and at risk to the fisheries."

He said that "when one examines the individual actions taken by this agency on a case by case basis, there is very clear and compelling evidence to reflect that such actions have been generated by and are supported by factual evidence of violations by the persons investigated and ultimately prosecuted".

He stated that his staff have carried out their duties "within very clearly proscribed parameters in a professional and commendable manner."

Read the complete memo from Director Dale Jones.