NOAA is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would allow the NOAA assistant administrator for fisheries to deny a vessel entry into a U.S. port or access to port services if that vessel has been listed for engaging in IUU fishing by one of the world’s international fishery management organisations.
“Illegal fishing is a global problem that is depleting fish stocks and hurting the economies of nations and the livelihoods of people who depend on sustainable fishing,” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Denying port access to vessels that engage in illegal fishing is an effective way to curb this damaging activity.”
The rule would also prohibit persons and businesses from providing certain services to, and engaging in commercial transactions with, listed IUU vessels. Those services would include processing fish harvested by a listed IUU vessel or processing fish using a listed IUU vessel; joint fishing operations; providing supplies, fuel, crew, or otherwise supporting a listed IUU vessel; and entering into a chartering arrangement with a listed IUU vessel.
Current U.S. law has largely discouraged IUU fishing vessels from arriving in U.S. ports. However, there have been a few instances when transport vessels identified on IUU lists have reached U.S. ports. This rule would clarify actions that the U.S. can take to deny these vessels access to the United States.
Comments on the proposed rule, identified by RIN 0648-AW09, may be submitted electronically by 25 February via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
