What We Do
The Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce engages other countries bilaterally and through various multilateral international fisheries organizations. We promote sound management and conservation of global fisheries resources in a manner consistent with U.S. domestic fisheries policy. Our goal is sustainable global resources and a “level playing field” for U.S. fishermen and seafood producers. We have a broad mission in the areas of policy, regulation, seafood safety, and trade.
International Engagement
Because fish and other marine wildlife cross national boundaries, the United States shares living marine resources with other countries. The way other countries manage these shared marine resources can therefore directly affect the status of fish stocks and protected or endangered species of importance to the United States. The Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce participates in various international fisheries organizations to achieve effective and responsible marine stewardship and ensure sustainable fisheries management.
International Cooperation
Successful fisheries management and conservation practices can only be achieved through international cooperation and collaboration. Working with our international partners, the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce works to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, promote comprehensive research on fish and other marine animals that travel through international waters, and preserve endangered species that share our oceans.
- Monitor, Control, and Surveillance
- Protected Species and Bycatch Mitigation
- Improving Fisheries Governance
- International Species Conservation and Management
Regulatory Programs
The seafood sector plays an important role in the U.S. economy, generating approximately 1.5 million jobs and providing a nutritious source of protein to the American public. As the largest importer and fifth largest exporter of seafood, trade in this sector plays a vital role in the United States.
- Trade Monitoring
- MMPA Import Provisions Rule
- Seafood Import Monitoring Program
Combating IUU Fishing
The United States imports more than 90 percent of its seafood. NOAA Fisheries works to ensure that high demand for imported seafood does not create incentives for illegal fishing activity. Working in partnership with other U.S. government agencies, foreign governments and entities, international organizations, non-government organizations, and the private sector is crucial to effectively combating IUU fishing.
- FAQs on IUU Fishing
- Biennial Reports to Congress on IUU Fishing, Bycatch and Shark Catch
- U.S. Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing
Commerce and Certification
The United States produces about $10 billion dollars worth of processed seafood each year; exports represent approximately half of that value. Our office works to ensure confidence in U.S. seafood by protecting and strengthening the seafood market through global trade, establishing partnerships with industry and consumer groups, providing seafood inspection services, and analyzing seafood safety risks.
We offer voluntary seafood inspection services to processors and importers, domestically and internationally, to assist in meeting U.S. regulations and generally accepted seafood production best practices governing fishery products for human consumption. This service supports seafood safety and includes sanitation inspection, system and process audits, grading and inspection, export certification, and product laboratory analyses.
Commerce and certification provides export services to facilitate exports of seafood products that meet the unique requirements of each importing country and any other specific industry buyer criteria. We represent the United States in negotiations with other countries regarding their import requirements for seafood products from the United States. We serve as the Competent Authority to issue health and catch certification for U.S. seafood exports.
Our Leadership

Alexa Cole
Director
In her role as Director, Ms. Cole promotes global engagement and cooperation to ensure effective, responsible marine stewardship and sustainable fisheries management; and oversees IATC's seafood inspection services. Previously, she served as Deputy Chief of the Enforcement Section of NOAA General Counsel. She has a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies from McGill University, a J.D. from Vermont Law School, and a M.A. in International Public Policy at The Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.

Michael Brakke
Deputy Director
Michael Brakke is the Deputy Director of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce. He joined NOAA from the Department of State, where he was responsible for international fisheries negotiations in the Office of Marine Conservation. Brakke began his federal career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Department of Energy and a senior energy analyst at the Department of State. He has a B.A. in economics from Saint John’s University in Minnesota and an M.P.A. in international relations and environmental policy from Princeton University.
Management Team
Seafood Inspection Program
Steven Wilson
Division Chief-
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Seafood Inspection NE Region
Lawrence Biondo, Region Chief
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Seafood Inspection NE Region
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Seafood Inspection SE Region
Brian Vaubel, Region Chief
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Seafood Inspection SE Region
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Seafood Inspection NW Region
Eric Staiger, Region Chief
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Seafood Inspection NW Region
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Seafood Inspection SW Region
Briana Hurley, Region Chief
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Seafood Inspection SW Region