The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Monday announced it is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The rule 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 engaged in pirate fishing.
The rule also prohibits persons and businesses from providing certain services to, and engaging in commercial transactions with, listed IUU fishing vessels.
“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 fisheries. “Denying port access to vessels that engage in illegal fishing is an effective way to curb this damaging activity.”
Current U.S. law has largely discouraged IUU fishing vessels from arriving in U.S. ports. However, there have been a few instances where transport vessels identified on IUU lists have reached U.S. ports. This rule would clarify actions that U.S. authorities can take to deny IUU vessels access to the country.
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted electronically via Federal eRulemaking. The deadline is 25 February.
