December 14, 2012 — Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced the decision to make reparations totaling $543,500 to 14 victims of fisheries law enforcement excesses and forgive another $151,266.66 for two other complainants whose cases were studied by a special judicial master.
The reparations and forgiveness of debt were decided based on series of 66 case studies by the master, Charles B. Swartwood III, whose report totalling more than 500 pages was submitted to Blank more than eight months ago.
The announcement of the decisions to resolve the complaints against law enforcement actions taken by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agents was made about noon, and was not immediately accompanied by the report itself. The announcement did not identify the cases, making it impossible to know any details.
“Today marks the end of an extensive investigation into the conduct of NOAA’s enforcement program going back nearly two decades,” said Blank. “In the course of acknowledging and rectifying mistakes, NOAA has instituted sweeping changes to its enforcement program to ensure that fisheries enforcement is fair and effective. It’s time to close the door on this chapter of NOAA’s past and move forward.”
The announcement, however, said, Blank released the report. The Department of Commerce communications office did not respond to calls.
Read the full story at the Gloucester Times