At the request of the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation, special agents from the Office for Law Enforcement are engaged in the investigation and emergency operations associated with the terrorist activities in Boston and New York, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today.

Twenty-seven special agents from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service OLE have been assigned to various tasks associated with the investigation, emergency operations and security details in various northeast locations.

"Our agents responded to a support request shortly after the planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon," said OLE Chief Dale J. Jones. "Our role in this investigation, is that we will provide any necessary support in the recovery, investigation and security operations associated with these horrific disasters."

The OLE has four "teams" assisting the U.S. Marshal's and FBI in Portland, Maine; Boston, Mass.; and the World Trade Center in New York. These teams are assisting with interviews, search warrants, evidence collection and security concerns, stated Andy Cohen, deputy special agent in charge in the OLE Northeast divisional office.