2010A Federal Inspector General report criticized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fishery conservation enforcement efforts.Economy and Industry, Maritime & Fishing Industry

The six-month national investigation started in Gloucester and addressed “systemic, nationwide issues adversely affecting NOAA’s ability to effectively carry out its mission.”

The report highlighted concerns about the “asset forfeiture fund,” the account into which collected fines are held within the agency, and totaled $8.4 million at the end of December. “Officials are not aware of the fund’s ever having been audited,” the report noted.