Monica Medina Nominated to Lead Bureau on Ocean, Environmental, Scientific Affairs

(WASHINGTON – April 22, 2021) President Joe Biden has nominated Monica Medina as assistant secretary of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs for the State Department. In this role, Medina would be a key player in re-establishing U.S. leadership in critical negotiations and deliberations, including international agreements on climate change, biodiversity, wildlife trade, fisheries reform and the ocean. The following is a statement from Eric Schwaab, Senior VP for Oceans and Ecosystems and a former administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service at NOAA under the Obama administration:

“I congratulate Monica on her nomination to be assistant secretary of state for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. President Biden knows that economic growth and a healthy planet go hand-in-hand, and the State Department is critical to furthering sustainability globally. Monica’s appointment comes at a critical time as the world begins to recover from the pandemic and continues to confront the climate, ocean and biodiversity crises.

“Monica is a national and international leader on environmental issues with extensive experience in government, law, policy and conservation. I had the privilege to work alongside Monica while at NOAA in the Obama administration. Monica’s experience and passion for people and the planet will serve the United States and the Biden administration well at this critical time.

“All of us at EDF look forward to working with Monica and the State Department on such issues as promoting climate-resilient fisheries, elevating sustainable fishing as a source of nutrition as well as livelihoods, restoring the role of science in decision-making, and preserving biodiversity on land and in the ocean.”

• Eric Schwaab, Senior VP, Oceans and Ecosystems