WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, today released the following statement upon selection of Bruce Buckson as the new Director of the Office of Law Enforcement at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
“Last year’s investigation shed light on deep-rooted systemic problems within the agency’s enforcement practice that devastated individual fishermen, their families, and their communities, particularly here in the Northeast. This litany of abuses of power and draconian enforcement tactics far exceeded the authority granted to this office and the standards of law enforcement activities, and it will take serious effort on the part of Mr. Buckson and his entire agency to rebuild a culture of trust and collaboration with the fishing industry.
“Today’s announcement is surely a step in the right direction as NOAA works to overhaul the enforcement system culture and focus on effective enforcement that has industry buy-in. I am encouraged by Mr. Buckson’s over 29 years of marine fisheries experience and urge him to work hand-in-hand with our northeastern fisheries to regain their trust and seek their input in new enforcement initiatives going forward. I think he will find a very diligent, dedicated and responsible industry awaits fair and even-handed enforcement at NOAA.”
Following NOAA’s decision in April 2010 to appoint a new interim director at the Office of Law Enforcement for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Snowe insisted a new director have sufficient marine law enforcement experience to support the fishing industry. Snowe asserted, “As the agency moves forward with its nationwide search to find a replacement, it is imperative the new director has substantial fisheries law enforcement experience and the caliber to successfully rectify the current flaws within the division and implement enforcement practices that will protect and preserve the fishing industry. I remain committed with my efforts in pursuing initiatives to guarantee our fishermen are treated fairly while necessary regulatory enforcement practices are carried out.”
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