NOAA has appointed Danielle Blacklock as the agency’s new director for the office of aquaculture, taking over from Dr Michael Rubino.
Danielle will oversee the aquaculture component of NOAA’s sustainable seafood portfolio together with providing the strategic vision for a strong aquaculture sector in the US. Specifically she will focus on regulation and policy, science, outreach and international activities.
“I am thrilled about Danielle’s vision for the office and our role as catalysts for the expansion of marine aquaculture in the United States,” said Paul N. Doremus, deputy assistant administrator for operations at NOAA Fisheries. “Building a strong domestic aquaculture industry is a win-win. It’s good for the economy and good for the planet.”
Ms Blacklock has worked in the agency for the past ten years, most recently as senior policy advisor for aquaculture where she completed a six-month assignment at the Food and Agriculture Organisation with the UN.
She also served as the acting deputy in the office of aquaculture as the senior advisor for operations at fisheries, providing advice and support to the deputy assistant administrator for operations. Her portfolio includes budget management, facilities, human resources, strategic communications, international affairs, and equal employment opportunities.
"My vision to help the United States move even more decisively toward becoming a global leader in sustainable seafood production. Wild capture fisheries and farmed seafood are intertwined and both are critical to our nation’s future food supply," said Ms Blacklock.
