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Bill114th CongressFiled May 13, 2015Public Lands and Natural Resources
S. 1336

South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

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What it doesSummary reported to senate without amendment (Apr 6, 2016)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the South Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 3) The United Statesmust be represented by no more than three commissioners on the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation.

In addition, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of seven members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

NOAA must develop a memorandum of understanding with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council describing the role of the council with respect to:

  • participation of the United States in consulting with international fishery organizations in the Pacific Ocean,
  • providing recommendations to NOAA and the Department of State regarding domestic and foreign fishing vessels,
  • coordinating with the United States on presentations the council makes to international fishery organizations, and
  • recommending domestic fishing regulations that are consistent with the actions of the international fishery organizations.

(Sec. 4)The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the South Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 5) This bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 6)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 7)This bill lists 16 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 8)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 9)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 10)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must:

  • notify the U.S. Coast Guard prior to or within a reasonable time after entering the exclusive economic zone of the convention area;
  • ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing; and
  • if requested, proceed to a specified location so that a vessel inspection can be conducted.

What just happenedApr 6, 2016

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 419.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI](D-HI)Sponsor
1 cosponsor1 R
Read on Congress.gov
1cosponsors1committees6actions3related bills13subjects
  1. Apr 6, 2016Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 419.

  2. Apr 6, 2016Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune without amendment. With written report No. 114-235.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  3. Apr 6, 2016Committee14000

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune without amendment. With written report No. 114-235.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  4. May 20, 2015Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  5. May 13, 2015IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  6. May 13, 2015IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Reported to Senate without amendmentApr 6, 201680

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the South Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 3) The United Statesmust be represented by no more than three commissioners on the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation.

In addition, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of seven members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

NOAA must develop a memorandum of understanding with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council describing the role of the council with respect to:

  • participation of the United States in consulting with international fishery organizations in the Pacific Ocean,
  • providing recommendations to NOAA and the Department of State regarding domestic and foreign fishing vessels,
  • coordinating with the United States on presentations the council makes to international fishery organizations, and
  • recommending domestic fishing regulations that are consistent with the actions of the international fishery organizations.

(Sec. 4)The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the South Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 5) This bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 6)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 7)This bill lists 16 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 8)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 9)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 10)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must:

  • notify the U.S. Coast Guard prior to or within a reasonable time after entering the exclusive economic zone of the convention area;
  • ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing; and
  • if requested, proceed to a specified location so that a vessel inspection can be conducted.
Introduced in SenateMay 13, 2015

South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the South Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the South Pacific Ocean.

The United Statesmust be represented by no more than three commissioners on the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation.

In addition, a permanent advisory committee is established. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

NOAA must develop a memorandum of understanding with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council describing the role of the council.

The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the South Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

This bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

This bill lists 16 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must:

  • notify the U.S. Coast Guard prior to or within a reasonable time after entering the exclusive economic zone of the convention area;
  • ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing; and
  • if requested, proceed to a specified location so that a vessel inspection can be conducted.
South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act — Informed