### Question
How is the term Authorized Officer defined?


### Answer
The term **Authorized Officer** is defined in *16 U.S.C. § 973* as the following:

> any officer who is authorized by the Secretary, or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or the head of any Federal or State agency which has entered into an enforcement agreement with the Secretary under section 973h(a) of this title

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 973*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 16C-SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA FISHING**

