NOAA has ordered its National Marine Fisheries Service employees to pause all communications with foreign nationals, including work directly connected to US government tasks. This order extends to international commissions and requires employees to report ongoing international engagements for vetting. The motive for these restrictions is unclear, with some agency officials feeling targeted by the Trump administration, particularly regarding offshore wind projects. This halt threatens collaborative efforts in promoting conservation and sustainability within marine ecosystems as well as international partnerships.
Federal employees at NOAA have been ordered to pause all communication with foreign nationals, affecting efforts to promote food sustainability and conservation.
NOAA's NMFS staff must now submit details of their international collaborations for vetting amidst unclear directives from higher authorities.
The decision appears to be influenced by a prevailing sentiment within NOAA about increasing scrutiny and exposure from the Trump administration regarding offshore projects.
Concerns have risen about how these restrictions will inhibit NOAA's engagement with international partners, particularly impacting areas like offshore wind energy collaboration.
Collection
[
|
...
]