NOAA Fisheries released the Office of Law Enforcement’s Priorities for 2023–2027. These priorities were developed through an extensive stakeholder engagement process—including a public comment period—to ensure that all voices were heard. They will help our enforcement team accomplish its mission, guide its strategic planning, and focus the use of law enforcement assets where they are most needed.
Goals and Priorities
Effective marine resource management depends on effective enforcement. We are dedicated to protecting marine wildlife and habitats by promoting compliance with domestic laws and international treaty obligations through law enforcement activities.
The enforcement priorities are designed to support the strategic goals of NOAA Fisheries by:
- Promoting sustainable fisheries
- Conserving protected resources
- Improving organizational excellence and regulatory efficiency
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement will focus on:
- Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
- Supporting international fisheries; reducing seafood fraud
- Ending wildlife trafficking
The 2023–2027 enforcement priorities were designed to support and implement these goals.
While the Office of Law Enforcement enforces marine resource laws, the Office of the General Counsel’s Enforcement Section is NOAA’s civil prosecutor. Together, the two offices make up NOAA’s enforcement program and work with other offices to establish national law enforcement policy.
Learn more about our enforcement priorities.
