A fair and honest broker takes the helm

The National Fisheries Institute is pleased to welcome James W.
Balsiger as the acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s National
Marine Fisheries Service. In his new position Dr. Balsiger will be in
charge of managing commercial and recreational ocean fishing as well as
the protection of marine mammals.

Dr. Balsiger is well known as a fair and honest broker. He has
helped lead the management of fisheries that are considered among the
worlds most efficient, said NFI President John Connelly. It is
important to have an effective leader in place at NMFS who can strike
the right balance between conservation, protection and management of
marine resources and Dr. Balsiger is just such a leader.

Dr. Balsiger takes over for former director, Bill Hogarth, who
retired in December. Dr. Balsiger has been regional administrator for
the Fisheries Service’s Alaska region in Juneau since 2000.

His track record is one that highlights the benefits of using sound
science and capable management to optimize marine resources. We look
forward to working with Dr. Balsigner to ensure U.S. fisheries continue
to provide safe and healthy fish now and preserve seafood for future
generations.

For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI)
and its members have provided American families with the variety of
sustainable seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information
visit: www.AboutSeafood.com.

Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons
(703) 752-8891