U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, with concurrence from the White House, has selected Chris Oliver as assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. Oliver assumed his new position the week of 19 June 2017.
As assistant administrator, Oliver will oversee the federal agency responsible for recreational and commercial fisheries that contribute more than $200 billion to the nation's economy and support nearly two million jobs. In addition to managing productive and sustainable domestic fisheries, including some aspects of marine aquaculture, the agency works to recover and conserve protected resources such as whales, sea turtles, and corals.
“Oliver’s background and expertise will be an asset at NOAA Fisheries as they work to reduce our nation’s $11 billion dollar seafood trade deficit,” said Ross.
NOAA Fisheries has offices in 15 states and U.S. territories, including five regional offices, six science centers, and 24 labs and fish stations.
For the past 27 years, Oliver worked at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council--first as a fisheries biologist, later as deputy director, and finally as executive director for 16 years. Through his long-time participation in the Council Coordination Committee and various international fishery management organizations, Oliver gained extensive knowledge of national and international fisheries issues. A Texas native, Oliver also worked on Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery management issues prior to moving to Alaska in 1990.
“Chris is a fisherman himself and has rich experience in fisheries leadership positions around the country and internationally,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. “He’s a natural fit for this position and we look forward to working with him.”
“I’m honored to take the helm at an agency that focuses on the scientific underpinning and management mission of our nation’s thriving fisheries," said Oliver. "I intend to focus many of our resources on that core science and management mission, and seek opportunities for efficiencies in our fisheries regulatory processes. We will continue to make long-term sustainability the top priority, while looking for ways to maximize fishing opportunities for the benefit of recreational and commercial fishermen, processors, coastal communities, and the economies which depend upon them."
