Mission
At the National Marine Fisheries Service, nowhere is the importance of a viable and competitive U.S. fisheries sector more central to its mission than in the Trade and Commercial Services (TCS). The TCS performs various activities critical for maintaining a competitive U.S. seafood industry in global markets, and protecting the interests of American consumers. The TCS Assists, Advocates, and Advances the interests of U.S. seafood businesses and consumers by serving as a voice in the U.S. Government on the global issues affecting worldwide trade, market accessibility, consumer health and safety, while providing direct assistance to industry in navigating the maze of international regulations and standards to facilitate the free flow of trade.
- Assists: Through a network of international trade specialists located at NMFS's headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, in the NMFS regions, and in Japan and the European Union, TCS's staff assists U.S. industry by analyzing markets, disseminating trade leads, conducting limited market research, reporting barriers to trade, providing export counseling, and troubleshooting problems related to foreign governments acceptance of U.S. products. The TCS also works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, monitoring surplus conditions in U.S. fisheries, and providing economic analyses for USDA purchases.
- Advocates: The TCS provides international representation for the many facets of the U.S. seafood industry. The TCS addresses worldwide trade problems affecting U.S. fishery exports of wild and farmed product by supporting multilateral negotiations and trade liberalization in the World Trade Organization, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, defending U.S. industry positions at the UN's Committee on Sustainable Development and Food and Agriculture Organization, and conducting bilateral negotiations for improved trade and investment opportunities in the international fisheries sector.
- Advances: The TCS serves a critical role in advancing international cooperation for industry development, scientific research, and technological support for a vital U.S. fisheries industry. In addition, the TCS serves in a consultative role with industry to facilitate the development of commercial aquaculture plans, identifying regulatory constraints, funding sources, and potential markets for aquacultural products.
"At the Trade and Commercial Services Team - When it comes to fisheries, we mean business!"
National Marine Fisheries Service
Partnerships and Communication Division
Trade and Commercial Services Team
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 713-2379
(301) 713-2384 (fax)
E-mail: nmfs.trade@noaa.gov
