Dr Hogarth is moving to the University of South Florida where he will serve as interim dean for the College of Marine Science.
He counts among his successes the reauthorisation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act with stronger mandates to end over fishing; seafood and health initiatives; and the introduction of aquaculture legislation in Congress.
A replacement at NOAA has yet to be named, but they will serve just one year since the position is a political appointment that will be made by the Bush Administration.