Eugenio Piñeiro Soler will now take over the helm of the USA's marine fisheries and conservation agency, amid reports that the Trump administration plans to "defund" it.
Memo leaked to US media indicates Trump administration plans to defund NOAA Fisheries, end the Sea Grant program, and slash overall NOAA funding by USD 1.6 billion.
The US action plan is focused on combating illegal fishing and enhancing seafood traceability, and follows consultation with more than 7,000 stakeholders.