The NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce, based in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, is a critical branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dedicated to advancing U.S. priorities in international fisheries management, seafood trade policy, and global marine resource conservation. As part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the office plays a vital role in protecting marine ecosystems while ensuring fair trade practices in the global seafood industry.
Organization Background
Operating under NOAA Fisheries (also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service), the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce supports the U.S. mission of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity through a combination of science-based policy development, diplomatic engagement, and trade monitoring programs. The office is led by Alexa Cole, an expert in international fisheries law and trade.
The office liaises with multiple domestic and international stakeholders, including U.S. industries, foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement strategic objectives across the global seafood supply chain.
Core Functions and Program Areas
The Office is responsible for several high-impact initiatives across international affairs and seafood trade, including:
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International Fisheries Management:
- Leads U.S. participation in Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) such as ICCAT, IATTC, and WCPFC
- Develops bilateral and multilateral agreements to sustainably manage shared marine resources
- Negotiates quotas, compliance frameworks, and conservation measures for tuna, billfish, and other migratory stocks
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Trade Monitoring and Compliance Programs:
- Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP): Collects and verifies data on imported seafood to ensure legality and traceability
- Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) Program: Oversees U.S. trade compliance for Antarctic fisheries under the CCAMLR
- Ensures alignment with U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for seafood imports
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Seafood Commerce and Trade Policy:
- Develops U.S. positions on international trade agreements impacting seafood (e.g., WTO, TPP, USMCA)
- Conducts economic and market analysis of global seafood trade flows
- Engages with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other federal bodies to protect domestic seafood interests
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Combatting IUU Fishing and Labor Violations:
- Administers the IUU Fishing Identification and Certification Program
- Collaborates with international partners and regional bodies to improve monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS)
- Implements capacity building programs for developing countries to strengthen fisheries governance and compliance
Strategic Importance and Global Engagement
The office represents U.S. interests in more than 15 multilateral regional and global organizations, including:
- FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
It maintains formal relationships with foreign fisheries agencies to promote sustainable resource management, enhance traceability, and reduce the impact of illegal and unethical practices in the seafood trade.
Economic and Trade Impact
- Over $22.2 billion USD in edible seafood was imported into the U.S. in 2022, making effective trade oversight essential
- Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) currently covers 13 species groups accounting for over 40% of total U.S. seafood imports by volume
- The office supports more than 1.7 million U.S. jobs tied to the seafood supply chain and marine commerce
- Plays a central role in enforcing tariff and non-tariff barriers to prevent unfair competition and protect U.S. fisheries
Capabilities
- Policy Development: Drafting regulations and international commitments to improve transparency in seafood trade
- Scientific Support: Coordination with NOAA scientists and international researchers for stock assessments and fisheries data
- Compliance Monitoring: Cross-agency collaboration to vet imports, ensure certification, and manage seafood traceability systems
- Stakeholder Engagement: Frequent public comment periods and consultations with U.S. seafood industry and civil society
Certifications and Compliance
While the office does not hold commercial certifications, it enforces and coordinates adherence to multiple regulatory frameworks and international agreements, including:
- Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
- Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
- Lacey Act (anti-wildlife trafficking)
- Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA)
- IUU Fishing Certification Program
It also ensures that U.S. importers comply with catch documentation schemes (CDS) and electronic logbook submissions under the SIMP.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
- Led implementation of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) in 2018, a pioneering traceability framework now adopted by major markets globally
- Successfully negotiated conservation and management measures for endangered species such as Pacific bluefin tuna and albatross
- Collaborated with USAID and international NGOs to expand fisheries enforcement capacity in Southeast Asia and West Africa
- Developed IUU fishing vessel lists in cooperation with RFMOs and U.S. Coast Guard surveillance efforts
- Played a pivotal role in securing protections for marine mammals and bycatch reduction mechanisms under WTO environmental agreements
The NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. global leadership in sustainable fisheries governance, fair trade enforcement, and marine biodiversity protection, ensuring that the global seafood trade benefits both people and the planet.
