Dr. Jane Lubchenco issued a written statement responding to the call by Congressman Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts) that she leave her post as NOAA administrator.
“Early in my tenure as NOAA administrator, I heard concerns about NOAA fisheries enforcement from members of the fishing community and Congress. I took those concerns very seriously and decided to seek outside review of NOAA's program. In June 2009, three months into my tenure, I asked the Commerce Department's inspector general to conduct a nationwide review of our fisheries enforcement activities, as well as the Office of Law Enforcement's Asset Forfeiture Fund. I wanted any actions I might take to be informed by a neutral assessment of the different parts of the program.
“As soon as the inspector general issued his first report, I took a number of actions, starting in January and March of this year, to improve the agency's enforcement and legal operations and enhance its relationship with the fishing community. The inspector general's most recent report identifies additional serious problems. I had already begun to deal with some of the problems identified and intend to take aggressive steps to address the remaining issues.
“I will continue to look for ways to improve our law enforcement program. Having an enforcement program that is transparent and perceived as fair and accountable is central to sustainable fishery management.
“These steps I have taken, combined with actions being planned, will go a long way toward helping us resolve the issues identified by the Inspector General and enhance our efforts to work with the fishing industry and public in a more constructive manner.
“America's fishermen are a vital part of our nation's economy and heritage and I remain committed to rebuilding fisheries and sustaining the communities that depend on them.”