The National Ocean Council Committee to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood Fraud has announced its proposal for creating a US seafood traceability programme.
This will aim to be the US Government’s next step in ensuring that global seafood resources are sustainably managed and not fraudulently marketed.
Kathryn Sullivan from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), said: “Traceability is a key tool for combating illicit activities that threaten valuable natural resources, global food security risk and disadvantage law-abiding fishermen and seafood producers.
“We are asking the seafood industry, trade and consumer sectors, our international partners and the conservation community to help guide us in creating an effective, efficient program,” she added.
The proposal aims to trace the origins of imported seafood by establishing reporting and filing procedures for imported fish and fish products entering US commerce.
It will collect data about harvest, landing and chains of custody of fish and fish products imported into the US identified as vulnerable to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The proposal does not create any new reporting requirements for domestic landings of wild-caught seafood.
“This proposed rule is a critical first step in our efforts to create a comprehensive traceability program designed to prevent products from illegal and fraudulent fishing entering US commerce,” said Catherine Novelli, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy, and the environment.
She continued: “Starting with our discrete list of at-risk seafood species, we will create an effective program to protect against practices that undermine the sustainability of our shared ocean resources.”
The proposed rule is open for a 60-day comment period, ending on 5 April.
NOAA Fisheries and the Department of State will host two webinars and a listening session at the Seafood Expo North America on 7 March in Boston.
All information and access to public comment venues are now posted on the new National Ocean Council Committee web portal.
