NOAA Administrator requests formal investigation of industry concerns regarding NOAA’s enforcement practices. In response to a May 1 request from Senators Kennedy and Kerry and Congressmen Frank, Tierney, and Delahunt, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco has asked the Commerce Department’s Inspector General to conduct a formal investigation of the concerns raised by the commercial fishing industry regarding NOAA’s enforcement practices in the Northeast. Senator Kennedy responded, "The fishing industry has been a vital part of the Commonwealth?s heritage for hundreds of years, and we must work together to build confidence that the proper procedures are followed in every instance. I welcome the Administrator’s decision to request an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General, and I look forward to reviewing the results." Dr. Lubchenco’s letter to Senator Kennedy is be available on SavingSeafood.org at: https://www.savingseafood.org/images/documents/congress/kennedy_response%20letter_ig.pdf
