The 2009-2010 search for a head of federal fisheries — which dragged on for a year and brought into focus the priorities of the Obama administration's star scientist — became clearer in its own right last week when the one-time lead contender for the job resigned from a congressional office under fire for violating federal fishing policies.
Arne Fuglvog had been one of the two prime candidates to head the National Marine Fisheries Service in the NOAA administration of Jane Lubchenco and had the backing of the powerful Environmental Defense Fund, which, with Lubchenco at NOAA's helm, was in the midst of its push for a new catch share management system.
The other lead candidate was Brian Rothschild, the well-connected and highly regarded scientist from New Bedford. But Fuglvog withdrew his candidacy, and Lubchenco refused to appoint Rothschild to the post that is now held by NMFS chief Eric Schwaab. Schwaab was not appointed until several months later, even as the Department of Commerce Inspector General's Office began investigation wrongdoing on the part of government agents in the fishery.
Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times.