Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorized
| International Provisions |
| The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) contains a number of new provisions that will significantly shape the focus of fisheries management in the coming years. Importantly, the MSRA pays an unprecedented level of attention to international fisheries. The overarching approach is a call for the Secretary of Commerce to work multilaterally through various fora, such as Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs), to address illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMRs). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the implementing agency within the Department of Commerce for the authorities and responsibilities under the MSRA. |
| News | |
On July 10, 2012, NMFS published a proposed rule to implement the international provisions of the Shark Conservation Act of 2011 and amend the definition of IUU fishing. NMFS is seeking public comment on the proposed rule until August 9, 2012. Click here for a brief summary of the proposed rule. |
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| Reports | |
| January 2011 Report to Congress | |
| In fulfillment of requirements under the international provisions of the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NMFS has prepared the second Biennial Report to Congress, which identifies nations whose fishing vessels are engaged in IUU fishingduring 2009 and 2010. | |
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| On January 13, 2009, NOAA submitted the first ever report to Congress identifying nations whose fishing vessels were engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in 2007 or 2008. This report opens the way for consultations between the U.S. government and officials of each of the six nations to encourage them to take corrective action to stop IUU fishing by their vessels. | |
| Rules and Notices | |
Federal Register Notice 2012-7718 (3/30/2012) |
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On March 30, 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service requested information from the public that could assist in the identification of nations, with submissions due by April 30, 2012. In fulfillment of requirements under the international provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the National Marine Fisheries Service is preparing the third biennial report to Congress, which will identify nations whose fishing vessels are engaged in IUU fishing or fishing practices that result in bycatch of protected living marine resources, and/or fishing in waters beyond any national jurisdiction that target or incidentally catch sharks. |
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| The National Marine Fisheries Service has compiled a list of protected living marine resources for purposes of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act, as amended by the international provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This list will be updated periodically as needed. | |
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High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (1/12/2011) |
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| On January 12, 2011, NMFS published a final rule to establish procedures for the identification and certification of nations whose vessels are engaged in IUU fishing or bycatch of PLMRs. The objectives are to ensure the sustainability of transboundary and shared fishery stocks and to enhance the conservation and recovery of PLMRs. | |
| Fact Sheets | |
| Overview of International Provisions Regarding Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing | |
| Related Documents | |
State of Knowledge on the Status of International Living Marine Resources |
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| As required by the Act, NMFS has developed a list and status of International Living Marine Resources (ILMRs). Last updated in 2010. | |
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| Contacts | |
| For more information on the international provisions of the MSRA and implementation of the Moratorium Protection Act, please contact Kristin.Rusello@noaa.gov in the NMFS Office of International Affairs. | |
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