Search Results for keywords:"Tuna Conventions Act"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Commerce Department, has issued an interim final rule aiming to conserve tropical tuna species in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2021. This rule implements measures from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, continuing regulations similar to those from 2018-2020. Key provisions include limited catch for bigeye tuna by longline vessels, a 72-day fishing restriction period for large purse seine vessels, and restrictions on fishing locations from October 9 to November 8. The rule is effective immediately to comply with international obligations and ensure the conservation of tuna stocks.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed new regulations to implement conservation measures for tropical tuna fishing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, following international agreements made by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) for the years 2025-2026. These rules include fishing restrictions for U.S. vessels involved in catching bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna, which are necessary to maintain sustainable fish populations and meet international obligations. Key measures involve closure days for purse seine vessels exceeding specific catch limits and restrictions on the use of fish aggregating devices. Public comments on the proposal are invited until January 6, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a new rule under the Tuna Conventions Act that would set annual and trip limits on the U.S. commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna for 2025-2026. These measures aim to conserve the tuna population and meet the U.S.'s international commitments with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The proposed rule outlines specific trip limits that decrease as the cumulative catch approaches annual limits, and details a system for announcing and managing in-season actions to adjust these limits. Public comments on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment are invited until January 29, 2025, and can be submitted through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a rule to set annual catch limits for Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean for 2021. This rule follows an international agreement to help preserve this overfished species. The total limit for U.S. commercial fishing is set at 425 metric tons with specific trip limits that decrease as cumulative catches increase throughout the year, ensuring tighter control over the fishing activities. Comments on this proposal must be submitted by February 4, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has implemented new regulations to improve fish aggregating device (FAD) management in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These regulations require FADs to be made with non-entangling and biodegradable materials, aiming to reduce marine pollution. By 2025, non-entangling material must be used, and by 2029, both surface and subsurface parts of FADs must be fully biodegradable. Vessel owners must report data on recovered FADs unless an observer has already collected the information.