What We Do
The NOAA Fisheries Policy Office helps coordinate and implement agency priorities, especially multifaceted initiatives that cross-cut headquarters program offices, regional offices, and science centers, as well as NOAA line offices and other government agencies. Our approach is to facilitate, foster dialogue, and encourage collaboration within or across offices by being open and communicative, strategic, diplomatic, and proactive about problem-solving.
Policy Analysis
We manage the NOAA Fisheries Policy Directive System, which involves facilitating drafting, review, and revision of agency policy with subject matter experts, NOAA Fisheries Leadership, and oftentimes external partners and stakeholders.
NOAA Fisheries Leadership Council
We facilitate meaningful and corporate-level discussion and decision-making by managing the NOAA Fisheries Leadership Council, a council comprised of the Assistant Administrator, Deputy Administrators, and Chief Scientist, as well as program office, regional offices, and science center directors and senior policy analysts.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
Ensure stakeholder viewpoints and recommendations are heard and considered through the federally chartered Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee.
National Seafood Strategy
We coordinate and implement the National Seafood Strategy, which outlines the agency’s approach to better support the U.S. seafood sector in the face of climate change and other stressors. This work includes working with industry, scientists, government agencies and others to foster innovative seafood policy, science, tools and services.
Recent Contributions
Here are a few examples of recent projects and initiatives led or assisted by our office:
FAST-41/ Infrastructure Permitting
Executive Order reviews and reform efforts
Gulf Restoration & RESTORE Act implementation
Environmental Compliance for NOAA Fisheries Science Center Research Programs
NOAA Energy Team and Tribal Team
Alaska Native Scientific Research Standard of Care
North Atlantic Regional Team Congressional Roundtables
More Information
Our Leadership
Jenni Wallace
Director
Jenni Wallace is the director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Policy. She coordinates and implements agency priorities, oversees the NOAA Fisheries Policy Directive System, coordinates the agency’s Leadership Council, oversees the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, and manages the policy aspects of the agency’s offshore wind energy portfolio.