On June 18, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco announced that Eric Schwaab has reassumed the title of Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Fisheries, Sam Rauch will revert to his permanent title of Deputy Assistant Administrator and Alan Risenhoover will again be the Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries.
NOAA told Saving Seafood in an email that "Eric Schwaab has reassumed the title of Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Fisheries, but will continue to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management. The Vacancy Reform Act states that “a person serving as an acting officer may serve in the office for no longer than 210 days beginning on the date the vacancy occurs” – as of June 15, the 210 days have elapsed for this position. Sam Rauch has returned to the position of Deputy Assistant Administrator – but will continue to fulfill delegated responsibilities from the Assistant Administrator as necessary."
The text of Dr. Lubchenco's statement follows: June 18, 2012
I wanted to let you know that, as of last Friday, Eric Schwaab has reassumed the title of Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Fisheries. As a general rule, the Vacancies Reform Act limits a person to serving 210 days in an acting capacity for a Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee beginning on the date the vacancy occurs. However, Eric will continue to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management. Please continue to work with Eric on all issues within the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management portfolio.
This move also means that Sam Rauch will revert to his permanent title of Deputy Assistant Administrator and Alan Risenhoover will again be the Director of the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, but both will continue to fulfill delegated responsibilities for the Assistant Administrator as necessary.
I want to thank Eric, Sam, and Alan for their hard work and commitment during the time when acting in these official capacities, and I truly appreciate their dedication as they continue to perform these essential roles in support of NOAA’s mission.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Lubchenco