Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1981

Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1981 - Requires the United States to be represented on the International Pacific Halibut Commission by three Presidentially appointed commissioners. Sets forth the qualifications of the commissioners. Authorizes the Secretary of State to accept or reject on behalf of the United States the recommendations of the Commission.

Grants the Secretary of Commerce the general responsibility to carry out this Act and the Convention between the United States and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. Authorizes Federal agencies to cooperate with the Commission.

Makes unlawful certain actions by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction and by foreign fishing vessels. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for such actions.

Makes subject to forfeiture fishing vessels used and fish taken or retained in connection with actions prohibited by this Act. Sets forth the methods of carrying out forfeiture proceedings.

Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce the Convention, this Act, and the regulations adopted under this Act. Specifies the authority of officers undertaking such enforcement, the courts having jurisdiction over such cases, and the methods of investigating such cases.

Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide office space for the Commission.

Repeals the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937.