One of my first decisions as the new administrator of NOAA was on an interim rule to protect New England's groundfish fishery.
I said at the time that we cannot and will not allow our proud and vital fishing industry to disappear. I also pledged that NOAA will be a good partner with fishing communities, keeping the lines of communication open and listening to their concerns and needs.
A few weeks ago, I came to Gloucester to meet the talented and dedicated team that works for NOAA's Fisheries Service at the Northeast regional office. They share my commitment to preserving and restoring America's fishing industry. I was inspired to learn first-hand about their expertise and commitment to public service.
During my visit, I also learned how the 200 men and women in our Northeast regional office contribute to the region's economy and community. Our employees don't just work in Gloucester, many of them call Cape Ann their home.
They support area businesses and have children in local schools. They serve on town and city planning and conservation committees, and volunteer for countless community programs and civic organizations.
Take, for example, the efforts underway to inspire young people to pursue careers in science. One of the early recipients of NOAA's B-WET program — a national effort to support science education for K-12 students, teachers and communities — is the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. It received a $65,000 multi-year grant to involve students in water quality monitoring projects. To date, this program has awarded over one million dollars in educational grants in New England.
The staff at the Northeast Regional Office is also participating in a multi-year partnership with Rockport Middle School to help students better understand the links between coastal and marine waters. Employees are teaming up with Gloucester High School on an ocean studies initiative that will pair 75 marine biology students and photography students and culminate in an exhibit to be displayed for the Cape Ann community in the Northeast Regional Office.
I also learned how NOAA's Seafood Inspection Program in Gloucester donates an average of 5,000 pounds of top quality lobster, crab, shrimp and other fish from its routine inspections each year to The Open Door, a Gloucester food pantry that serves the hungry.
Of course, NOAA has had a presence in Gloucester for more than a century. When the time came to construct a new facility, we were delighted to be able to remain in the city and continue to provide employment opportunities to area residents.
With our new building, we are able to invite numerous school and community groups to see the work we do. We provide meeting space to area businesses such as seARTS, comprised of more than 100 local artists. In our lobby, we showcase the work of local artists and photographers and celebrate the region's maritime heritage. In the next few months, we will display a historic 16-foot mural depicting Gloucester harbor in the 1930s, which we are having restored.
As a regulatory agency mandated to manage our fisheries, NOAA makes difficult and often unpopular decisions. We carry out our responsibilities mindful that, each and every day, fishermen and women in Gloucester and around the country work hard to bring healthy seafood to our tables and provide for their families.
During my visit to NOAA's office in Gloucester, I met employees who are committed to the region's long-term economic, social and cultural vibrancy. They demonstrate that through their tireless work for NOAA and through their involvement in a broad range of community activities.
As we all work together to rebuild our fisheries and restore our coastal communities, it is important that we acknowledge and respect the contributions each of us offers, whether we work behind a desk or on the water.
Jane Lubchenco is the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, based in Silver Spring, MD. Her column this week appears in place of the regular "My View" column contributed to the Times by acting NOAA fisheries administrator Jim Balsiger.
