The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has appointed a new assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries.
Janet Coit will also serve as acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and deputy NOAA administrator, supporting and managing NOAA's coastal and marine programmes. She succeeds Paul Doremus, PhD, who has been acting NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator since January 2021.
Ms Coit has worked on environmental issues, natural resource management and stewardship for more than 30 years. “Janet understands the direct link between natural resources management and economic vitality for our nation,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“She is a tremendous addition to our NOAA team, who brings a wealth of experience in supporting fisheries, promoting the seafood sector, protecting the marine environment and tackling climate change,” she added.
As NOAA Fisheries’ assistant administrator, Ms Coit will oversee recreational and commercial fisheries management within federal waters of the US exclusive economic zone, marine mammal protection and marine protected species conservation and coastal fisheries habitat conservation.
Ms Coit directed the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for more than ten years. Prior to that she was state director for The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island for ten years following a number of roles working with senators.
The National Fisheries Institute welcomed the announcement. “During her tenure at the Rhode Island DEM, she developed an ability to work with stakeholders to ensure seafood was harvested the right way, streamlined agency processes and promoted seafood locally and abroad,” said NFI president, John Connelly.
