Fishing Communities Coalition Highlights Dr. Neil Jacobs’ Nomination to Lead NOAA

Brunswick, Maine — On Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, the fishing industry is responding to reports that Dr. Neil Jacobs will be nominated to lead NOAA, which houses the National Marine Fisheries Service.

“Dr. Neil Jacobs is a great choice to lead NOAA,” said Noah Oppenheim, coordinator of the Fishing Communities Coalition. “Commercial fishing communities need a steady hand at the helm as we face unprecedented infrastructure, market, and regulatory challenges. We need fundamental reforms at NOAA to improve fishery surveys, while keeping the agency’s core weather forecasting functions strong so we can safely and efficiently catch fish to feed Americans.

“Dr. Jacobs has deep knowledge and experience with the agency’s inner workings, said Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “We look forward to working with him in his role as NOAA Administrator.”

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Media contact:
Noah Oppenheim | 207-233-0400 | noah@homarus.co

The Fishing Communities Coalition is an association of community-based, small-boat commercial fishing groups, representing more than 1,000 independent fishermen and business owners on the East Coast, the Gulf Coast, the West Coast, and Alaska, who share a commitment to the sustainable management of America’s fishery resources: www.fishingcommunitiescoalition.org.