To strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, to amend the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to implement the Antigua Convention, and for other purposes.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015
(Sec. 101) This bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Coast Guard to enforce specified laws to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing. NOAA and other federal and state agencies are given the authority to enforce those laws, including enforcement through vessel forfeiture and civil and criminal penalties.
NOAA may: (1) help other nations combat IUU fishing and achieve sustainable fisheries; (2) disclose information to government agencies, international fisheries management organizations, and foreign governments to enforce or assist in enforcing fisheries policies; and (3) publish a list of vessels and vessel owners engaged in IUU fishing and take action against listed vessels and owners.
This bill subjects a nation to sanctions only if NOAA certifies that the nation is not addressing IUU fishing or activities resulting in bycatch of a protected living marine resource. Currently, such nations are subject to denial of port privileges and other sanctions unless NOAA has certified that they are addressing such activities.
NOAA must consider the activity of vessels of a nation in the last three years when identifying a nation as having vessels engaged in IUU fishing. Currently, NOAA considers only more recent activity.
(Sec. 112) This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to expand enforcement authority to include violations of a treaty or binding conservation measure.
TITLE II--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTIGUA CONVENTION
Antigua Convention Implementing Act of 2015
(Sec. 202) This bill amends the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to implement the Convention for the Strengthening of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Established by the 1949 Convention Between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica, also known as the Antigua Convention.
(Sec. 210) The Eastern Pacific Tuna Licensing Act of 1984 is repealed.
TITLE III--AGREEMENT ON PORT STATE MEASURES TO PREVENT, DETER AND ELIMINATE ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING
Port State Measures Agreement Act of 2015
(Sec. 302) This bill implements the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing signed by the United States November 22, 2009.
By Senator Thune from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 114-166.
Committee on Transportation discharged.
Referred sequentially to the House Committee on the Judiciary for a period ending not later than July 30, 2015 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(l), rule X.
Mrs. Radewagen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5478-5486)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 774.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5479-5484)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5479-5484)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7407)
Enacted as Public Law 114-81
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Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7407)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 114-81.
Became Public Law No: 114-81.