Two months into his new role as NOAA’s Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, the agency’s newest leader brings decades of firsthand experience and a deep-rooted connection to coastal communities and the commercial fishing sector.
“My relationship with NOAA Fisheries is more than professional—it’s personal,” he shared. Growing up in western Puerto Rico, he saw the transformative impact of seafood processing plants launched by his father, which helped revitalize the local economy. Later, he spent more than 30 years as a commercial fisherman and business owner before passing the helm to the next generation. Along the way, he served on fishery management bodies, participated in cooperative research, and worked with conservation organizations—perspectives that now shape his approach at NOAA.
“I understand our mission not as a distant directive, but as a commitment to the people, places, and ecosystems we serve,” he emphasized. “That means focusing on reliable data, rigorous science, and strong partnerships.”
The United States remains a global leader in marine stewardship, thanks to its participatory, science-driven fishery management system. A recent FAO report underscores this success: while 64.5% of global stocks are not overfished, the U.S. stands ahead at 84%. Since 2001, 51 stocks have been rebuilt—clear evidence that science-based management delivers results.
Building on that foundation, NOAA Fisheries is poised to expand its leadership globally, sharing expertise in science, regulation, and enforcement with international partners.
Domestically, the agency is aligning its efforts with the President’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Seafood Competitiveness. With the seafood industry facing global market pressures, supply chain vulnerabilities, and climate-driven challenges, NOAA Fisheries is focused on boosting domestic production, closing the seafood trade gap, and enhancing resilience across the sector.
“But we can’t do this work alone,” he noted. “Progress depends on collaboration—with federal and regional partners, industry stakeholders, and the fishing communities who know these waters best.”
Looking ahead, NOAA Fisheries plans to leverage emerging technologies and cooperative research while deepening engagement with constituents nationwide. The goal: ensure that future generations inherit not only a healthy marine environment but a sustainable and thriving seafood economy.