### Question
How does the law define Authorized Officer?


### Answer
Under *16 U.S.C. § 973*, **Authorized Officer** is defined as:

> 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**

