U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated former NOAA Acting Administrator Neil Jacobs to lead the agency once again.
Jacobs was first named acting administrator in 2018 following then-Acting Administrator Timothy Gallaudet’s decision to relinquish the role. While Trump did nominate him to formally lead the agency, his nomination was never approved by the full Senate. Jacobs left the government in 2022.
Then-President Joe Biden replaced Jacobs with Richard Spinrad, who led the agency through the end of the Biden administration.
The Brunswick, Maine, U.S.A.-based Fishing Communities Coalition put out a statement in support of Jacobs’ nomination.
“Dr. Neil Jacobs is a great choice to lead NOAA,” Fishing Communities Coalition Coordinator Noah Oppenheim said in a statement. “Commercial fishing communities need a steady hand at the helm as we face unprecedented infrastructure, market, and regulatory challenges. We need fundamental reforms at NOAA to improve fishery surveys, while keeping the agency’s core weather forecasting functions strong so we can safely and efficiently catch fish to feed Americans.”
The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association also endorsed the nominations.
“Dr. Jacobs has deep knowledge and experience with the agency’s inner workings,” Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association Executive Director Ben Martens said. “We look forward to working with him in his role as NOAA Administrator.”
Jacobs made headlines during the first Trump administration while he was acting NOAA chief for his role …
