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Bill117th CongressFiled Feb 8, 2021Public Lands and Natural Resources
S. 273

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act

Bill journey · stage 1 of 5

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What it doesSummary passed senate (Sep 14, 2021)

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act

This bill addresses certain driftnet fishing. Driftnet fishing is a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.

Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States.The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years.

The Department of Commerce must conduct a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources.

Commerce must award grants to program participants.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council may recommend and Commerce may approve regulations that require charter operators to pay fees on vessels that harvest Pacific halibut in specific International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory areas.

What just happenedSep 17, 2021

Held at the desk.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA](D-CA)Sponsor
3 cosponsors2 D1 R
Read on Congress.gov
3cosponsors1committees10actions1amendments1related bills5subjects
  1. Sep 17, 2021FloorH15000

    Held at the desk.

  2. Sep 17, 2021FloorH14000

    Received in the House.

  3. Sep 15, 2021Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  4. Sep 14, 2021Floor

    Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. (text: CR S6481)

  5. Sep 14, 2021Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.(text: CR S6481)

  6. Sep 14, 2021Floor

    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S6480-6481)

  7. Sep 14, 2021Discharge

    Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  8. Sep 14, 2021Committee14500

    Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  9. Feb 8, 2021IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S574-575)

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  10. Feb 8, 2021IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Passed SenateSep 14, 202155

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act

This bill addresses certain driftnet fishing. Driftnet fishing is a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.

Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States.The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years.

The Department of Commerce must conduct a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources.

Commerce must award grants to program participants.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council may recommend and Commerce may approve regulations that require charter operators to pay fees on vessels that harvest Pacific halibut in specific International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory areas.

Introduced in SenateFeb 8, 2021

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act

This bill addresses certain driftnet fishing. Driftnet fishing is a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.

Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States.The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years.

The Department of Commerce must conduct a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources.

Commerce must award grants to program participants.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council may recommend and Commerce may approve regulations that require charter operators to pay fees on vessels that harvest Pacific halibut in specific International Pacific Halibut Commission regulatory areas.

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act — Informed