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NOAA Fisheries invites public comment on environmental justice strategy

NOAA Fisheries is sharing its first draft of its new Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy. Public comments are welcome through to Aug. 19.

The 39-page draft document is meant to outline the agency’s national strategy to identify growing needs in “underserved communities” in the United States and its territories. The strategy also aims to build on existing equity and environmental justice efforts to reduce barriers.

“NOAA Fisheries is focused on serving all communities more equitably and effectively, and this strategy will provide the framework to do just that,” said Janet Coit, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries and NOAA’s acting assistant secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere.

“We are committed to advancing equity and environmental justice, including equal treatment, opportunities, and environmental benefits for all people and communities, while building on continuing efforts and partnerships with underserved and underrepresented communities,” she added.

NOAA is asking the public to provide comments online or through live participation in its only webinars, by phone, and at in-person meetings until Aug. 19. The webinars will be held on:

• May 24, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 pm Eastern time
• June 21, 2022, from 3:00-5:00 pm Pacific time
• June 30, 2022, from 1:00-3:00 pm Hawaii time
• July 19, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 pm Eastern time