It was established in 1930 as the Division of Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish Commission and Bureau.[2] It is responsible for the ecosystem protection and conservation of most of national marine life. It is the only federal agency for such purposes. As of 2011[update], it has more than 200 employees.
NOAA OLE is divided into five (5) divisional offices (Northeast, Southeast, Alaska, West Coast and Pacific Islands), led by an Assistant Director, and 52 field offices, e.g., Pago Pago, American Samoa; Ellsworth, Maine; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
State partners
OLE maintains working relationships with state agencies under Cooperative Enforcement Agreements (CEAs). Partners include:
Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, California, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, Delaware, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Laws and statutes enforced
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) (16 U.S.C. 1801)
Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996
High Seas Driftnet Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 18269)
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531)