Senator John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement regarding the removal of Dale Jones as head of NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement. “Transparency and accountability are key for fishermen whose economic well-being is in large measure decided by NOAA’s rules. They can’t swallow them if an official is destroying documents. Replacing this official was an important step to clear the air and turn the page. Administrator Lubchenco did the right thing. I know it was painful at NOAA but it had to happen. We’ve all had to make tough choices as managers. Now we start over with Alan Risenhoover who has long been an advocate for our fishermen. I again request a delay in active prosecutions on NOAA enforcement actions which may be tainted by the problems within the NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. I will continue to work with Massachusetts fishermen and NOAA to help to resolve the many difficult issues to reestablish a sustainable fishery in Massachusetts.”
