§1511b United States Fishery Trade Officers

Summary

The Secretary of Commerce must appoint at least six fishery trade officers to work overseas to promote U.S. fishing exports and help develop fisheries. They must be Commerce Department employees who know the fishing industry, preferably from harvesting, processing, marketing, or fisheries management. At the Secretary’s request, the Secretary of State will place them at U.S. embassies or missions, including three in Brussels, Rome, and Tokyo. They get diplomatic privileges and immunities like similar foreign service staff. Their work is to boost export efforts, help exporters with services and facilities, keep and share lists of trade contacts and U.S. fishery products, and prepare reports. They must write quarterly reports on supply, demand, prices, and trade barriers for each relevant product and weekly price updates for products with export potential. They also do other tasks the Commerce Secretary asks. Commerce and State must provide office space, equipment, support staff, and other help for the officers and their families.