On Wednesday, December 30, 2020, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to increase cooperation to combat the threats to American prosperity posed by malign actors in developing countries, one with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce and one with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

USAID, represented by Chief Assistant to the Acting Deputy Administrator Max Primorac, and NOAA, represented by Deputy Administrator Admiral Tim Gallaudet, signed a MOU to enhance collaboration between the two institutions to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which undermines food security, livelihoods, economic development, and peace and stability. The MOU signed by USAID Chief Assistant Primorac and DHS’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Scott L. Glabe, aims to increase cooperation related to protecting trade, investment, and infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere.

Collectively, the unique missions, expertise, programs, and resources of USAID, NOAA, and DHS will assist communities and governments in developing nations to protect their coastal communities against IUU fishing and understand the threats of predatory investments in crucial economic sectors.