WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 9, 2012  --- U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today received a response to her December 6, 2011, letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) urging the agency to maintain stability within New England’s historic Gulf of Maine cod fishery.  Her letter followed the release of an assessment showing that the Gulf of Maine cod are not, as previously thought, on target to meet the rebuilding requirements as mandated by federal law.  In his response, NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab promised continued engagement and communication between the agency and key stakeholders, and noted that NOAA is “…doing everything possible to manage this situation effectively and look[s] forward to continuing to work closely with [Senator Snowe] and the fishing community” in this endeavor.

“The groundfish industry has been living within its means according to the best available science until, through no fault of its own, the best available science changed,” said Senator Snowe.  “NOAA must explore all possible options to find latitude within the existing law, allowing an extension of the rebuilding period and further examination of the scientific questions raised by this assessment.  I am pleased that my staff has worked so closely with NOAA, the New England Fishery Management Council, and fishermen from across Maine and New England in attempting to forge a resolution to this ongoing uncertainty.  At the end of the day, it is absolutely critical that we reach a solution that will support a viable commercial and recreational fishery for Gulf of Maine cod, which is a central component of New England's historic groundfishery.  I am committed to working with the industry and the agency in order to achieve this outcome for the short term, as well as to continuing to champion improved fisheries science in the future.”

Additionally, Senator Snowe praised the selection of Mr. Schwaab to be Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Conservation and Management, effective January 17th, and Sam Rauch, presently NOAA Fisheries Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, who will serve as Acting Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries.

“I am grateful for Eric and Sam’s early outreach in New England to address concerns around the Gulf of Maine cod stock assessment, and hope they will both continue to demonstrate effective leadership by actively engaging the industry and other stakeholders in the development of a long-term solution to this difficult challenge.  They have proven valuable partners thus far, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them to enable the survival of this historic fishery.”

Read NOAA's response to Senator Snowe's Letter