§1511b United States fishery trade officers

Summary

The Secretary of Commerce must appoint at least six Department of Commerce employees to work overseas as fishery trade officers to promote U.S. fishing interests. They must know the U.S. fishing industry and preferably have experience in harvesting, processing, marketing, or running fisheries programs. At the Commerce Secretary’s request, the Secretary of State must place these officers at U.S. diplomatic posts the Commerce Secretary names. Three of those posts must be in Brussels, Belgium; Rome, Italy; and Tokyo, Japan. The officers get diplomatic privileges and immunities like foreign service staff of similar rank and pay. Their job is to boost U.S. fish exports. Duties include coordinating market development, helping exporters with services and facilities, keeping lists of trade groups and U.S. fish products, writing quarterly reports on supply, demand, prices, and trade barriers or incentives, issuing weekly price updates, and doing other tasks the Secretary requires. Commerce and State must provide office space, equipment, clerical help, and other support for the officers and their families.