Weekly Highlights - April 19, 2019

Northeast

• An Enforcement Officer provided an agency overview presentation with a focus on Northeast Division & local priorities to the Yorktown, VA Rotary Club. Club members were very interested in IUU/Seafood Fraud, and multiple members who identified as recreational anglers were very interested in local NOAA regulations.

Southeast

• Jacksonville Special Agents participated in a multi-agency operation at the Live Oak, Florida Department of Agriculture Inspection Station 6-B. No violations under NOAA’s jurisdiction were detected. 

Alaska

• An Enforcement Officer conducted an IFQ boarding on a fishing vessel and observed a crewmember leave the vessel shortly after landing.  The crewmember had not purchased a State commercial fishing license, but purchased one a half hour later. Case was forwarded to the State.

• Two Enforcement Officers participated in a USCG C-130 aircraft patrol including St. Lawrence Island.  A whale carcass was located on a beach and determined to be a bowhead, a species for which the International Whaling Commission allows limited Alaska Natives takes.

• An Enforcement Officer assisted a commercial fisherman who found an injured and stranded baby female sea otter.  The stranding network conducted an initial assessment and took the otter to the Alaska Sea Life Center for rehabilitation.

Pacific Islands

• Two Enforcement Officers and a Special Agent conducted a boarding of a Hawaii long line vessel at Pier 38. The Officers and Agent were investigating a NOAA observer’s report of the vessel not using the required seabird mitigation techniques while above 23N, specifically strategic discard and offal.  The vessel had no priors of this type of violation, compliance assistance was given to the captain, as well as a compliance guide.  Additionally, the investigating EO contacted the owner of the vessel, who advised he will have his captains sign a memo that they are aware of the sea bird mitigation regulations and they will comply with the guidelines while fishing.
• Two Enforcement Officers and a Special Agent attended the Waianae High School Career Fair on Oahu. The Officers and Special Agent spoke to students about career opportunities within NOAA OLE, as well as careers in other NOAA line offices.