WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today reported out S.J. Res.17, directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean.  The resolution was introduced by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and is cosponsored by Senators Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), John Sununu (R-N.H.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).  The resolution now awaits action by the full Senate.

 

 

S.J. Res.17 directs the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Arctic nations to negotiate an agreement or agreements for managing migratory, transboundary, and straddling fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean.  It states that such agreements should address, as appropriate, catch and bycatch limits, harvest allocations, observers, monitoring, data collection and reporting, enforcement, and other elements necessary for sustaining future Arctic fish stocks.  Also, the United States should consult with the North Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and Alaska Native subsistence communities of the Arctic when developing such agreements.