§1511b United States Fishery Trade Officers

Summary

The Secretary of Commerce must hire at least six fishery trade officers to work in other countries and promote U.S. fishing interests. They must be Commerce employees who know the U.S. fishing industry, preferably from harvesting, processing, marketing, or running fisheries programs. At the Commerce Secretary’s request, the Secretary of State must place these officers at U.S. embassies or missions the Commerce Secretary names — including Brussels (Belgium), Rome (Italy), and Tokyo (Japan) — and must give them the same diplomatic privileges and immunities as similar foreign service staff. Their work is to boost U.S. fishery exports. They will coordinate market development and help exporters with services and facilities; keep lists of trade contacts and U.S. fishery products available for export; prepare quarterly reports on supply, demand, prices, and trade barriers or incentives for each product in the country or area; issue weekly price statements for products with export potential; and do other tasks the Commerce Secretary requires. The Secretaries of State and Commerce must also provide office space, equipment, clerical help, and other support for the officers and their families.