CHAPTER 97—CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH SEAS FISHERY RESOURCES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

        

§7801. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) 1982 Convention

The term "1982 Convention" means the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982.

(2) Commission

The term "Commission" means the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization established in accordance with the South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention.

(3) Convention Area

The term "Convention Area" means the area to which the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean applies under Article 5 of such Convention.

(4) Council

The term "Council" means the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

(5) Exclusive economic zone

The term "exclusive economic zone" means—

(A) with respect to the United States, the zone established by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030 of March 10, 1983 (16 U.S.C. 1453 note); and

(B) with respect to a foreign country, a designated zone similar to the zone referred to in subparagraph (A) for that country, consistent with international law.

(6) Fishery resources

The term "fishery resources" means all fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine species, and any products thereof, caught by a fishing vessel within the Convention Area, but excluding—

(A) sedentary species insofar as they are subject to the national jurisdiction of coastal States pursuant to Article 77 paragraph 4 of the 1982 Convention;

(B) highly migratory species listed in Annex I of the 1982 Convention;

(C) anadromous and catadromous species; and

(D) marine mammals, marine reptiles and sea birds.

(7) Fishing

The term "fishing"—

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), means—

(i) the actual or attempted searching for, catching, taking, or harvesting of fishery resources;

(ii) engaging in any activity that can reasonably be expected to result in the locating, catching, taking or harvesting of fishery resources for any purpose;

(iii) transshipment and any operation at sea, in support of, or in preparation for, any activity described in this subparagraph; and

(iv) the use of any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, or hovercraft in relation to any activity described in this subparagraph; and

(B) does not include any operation related to emergencies involving the health and safety of crew members or the safety of a fishing vessel.

(8) Fishing vessel

The term "fishing vessel" means any vessel used or intended to be used for fishing, including any fish processing vessel support ship, carrier vessel, or any other vessel directly engaged in fishing operations.

(9) Person

The term "person" means any individual (whether or not a citizen or national of the United States); any corporation, partnership, association, or other entity (whether or not organized or existing under the laws of any State); and any Federal, State, local, or foreign government or any entity of any such government.

(10) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Commerce.

(11) South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention

The term "South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention" means the Convention on the Conservation and Management of the High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean (including any annexes, amendments, or protocols that are in force, or have come into force, for the United States), which was adopted at Auckland, New Zealand, on November 14, 2009, by the International Consultations on the Proposed South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization.

(12) State

The term "State" means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §201, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1985.)

§7802. Appointment or designation of United States Commissioners

(a) Appointment

(1) In general

The United States shall be represented on the Commission by not more than 3 Commissioners. In making each appointment, the President shall select a Commissioner from among individuals who are knowledgeable or experienced concerning fishery resources in the South Pacific Ocean.

(2) Representation

At least 1 of the Commissioners shall be—

(A) serving at the pleasure of the President, an officer or employee of—

(i) the Department of Commerce;

(ii) the Department of State; or

(iii) the Coast Guard; and

(B) the chairperson or designee of the Council.

(b) Alternate Commissioners

The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary, may designate from time to time and for periods of time considered appropriate an alternate Commissioner to the Commission. An alternate Commissioner may exercise all powers and duties of a Commissioner in the absence of a Commissioner appointed under subsection (a).

(c) Administrative matters

(1) Employment status

An individual serving as a Commissioner, or as an alternate Commissioner, other than an officer or employee of the United States Government, shall not be considered a Federal employee, except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28.

(2) Compensation

An individual serving as a Commissioner or an alternate Commissioner, although an officer of the United States while so serving, shall receive no compensation for the individual's services as such Commissioner or alternate Commissioner.

(3) Travel expenses

(A) In general

The Secretary of State shall pay the necessary travel expenses of a Commissioner or an alternate Commissioner in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations and sections 5701, 5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 of title 5.

(B) Reimbursement

The Secretary may reimburse the Secretary of State for amounts expended by the Secretary of State under this paragraph.

(d) Advisory Committee

(1) Establishment of permanent Advisory Committee

(A) Membership

There is established an advisory committee which shall be composed of 7 members appointed by the Secretary as follows:

(i) A member engaging in commercial fishing in the management area of the Council.

(ii) Two members from the indigenous population of the Pacific, including a Native Hawaiian and a native-born inhabitant of any State in the Pacific.

(iii) A member that is a marine fisheries scientist and a member of the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee.

(iv) A member representing a non-governmental organization active in fishery issues in the Pacific.

(v) A member nominated by the Governor of the State of Hawaii.

(vi) A member designated by the Council.

(B) Terms and privileges

Each member of the Advisory Committee shall serve for a term of 2 years and shall be eligible for reappointment for not more than 3 consecutive terms. The Commissioners shall notify the Advisory Committee in advance of each meeting of the Commissioners. The Advisory Committee may attend each meeting and may examine and be heard on all proposed programs, investigations, reports, recommendations, and regulations of the Commissioners.

(C) Procedures

(i) In general

The Advisory Committee shall determine its organization and prescribe its practices and procedures for carrying out its functions under this chapter, the South Pacific Fisheries Convention, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).

(ii) Public availability of procedures

The Advisory Committee shall publish and make available to the public a statement of its organization, practices, and procedures.

(iii) Quorum

A majority of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum to conduct business.

(iv) Public meetings

Meetings of the Advisory Committee, except when in executive session, shall be open to the public. Prior notice of each non-executive meeting shall be made public in a timely fashion. The Advisory Committee shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).¹

(v) Cost savings

In order to reduce the cost of Advisory Committee meetings, the Advisory Committee shall, to the extent practicable, utilize teleconferences and webinars for that purpose.

(D) Provision of information

The Secretary and the Secretary of State shall furnish the Advisory Committee with relevant information concerning fishery resources and international fishery agreements.

(2) Administrative matters

(A) Support services

The Secretary shall provide to the Advisory Committee in a timely manner such administrative and technical support services as are necessary to function effectively.

(B) Compensation; status; expenses

An individual appointed to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee—

(i) shall serve without pay; and

(ii) shall not be considered a Federal employee, except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §202, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1987.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(C)(i), is Pub. L. 94–265, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 331, which is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1801 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1801 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(C)(iv), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, which was set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and was substantially repealed and restated in chapter 10 (§1001 et seq.) of Title 5 by Pub. L. 117–286, §§3(a), 7, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4197, 4361. For disposition of sections of the Act into chapter 10 of Title 5, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 5.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§7803. Authority and responsibility of the Secretary of State

The Secretary of State may—

(1) receive and transmit, on behalf of the United States, reports, requests, recommendations, proposals, decisions, and other communications of and to the Commission;

(2) in consultation with the Secretary, act upon, or refer to other appropriate authority, any communication pursuant to paragraph (1); and

(3) with the concurrence of the Secretary, and in accordance with the South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention, object to decisions of the Commission.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §203, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1989.)

§7804. Responsibility of the Secretary and rulemaking authority

(a) Responsibilities

The Secretary may—

(1) administer this chapter and any regulations issued under this chapter, except to the extent otherwise provided for in this chapter;

(2) issue permits to vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and to owners and operators of such vessels, to fish in the Convention Area, under such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe; and

(3) if recommended by the United States Commissioners, assess and collect fees, not to exceed 3 percent of the ex-vessel value of fisheries resources harvested by vessels of the United States in fisheries conducted in the Convention Area, to recover the actual costs to the United States to carry out the functions of the Secretary under this chapter.

(b) Promulgation of regulations

(1) In general

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may promulgate such regulations as may be necessary and appropriate to carry out the international obligations of the United States under the South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention and this chapter, including decisions adopted by the Commission.

(2) Applicability

Regulations promulgated under this subsection shall be applicable only to a person or fishing vessel that is or has engaged in fishing, and fishery resources covered by the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean under this chapter.

(c) Consistency with other laws

The Secretary shall ensure the consistency, to the extent practicable, of fishery management programs administered under this chapter, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C. 973 et seq.), section 401 of Public Law 108–219 (16 U.S.C. 1821 note) (relating to Pacific albacore tuna), the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–567) and the amendments made by that Act, and Public Law 100–629 (102 Stat. 3286).

(d) Judicial review of regulations

(1) In general

Regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this chapter shall be subject to judicial review to the extent authorized by, and in accordance with, chapter 7 of title 5 if a petition for such review is filed not later than 30 days after the date on which the regulations are promulgated or the action is published in the Federal Register, as applicable.

(2) Responses

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall file a response to any petition filed in accordance with paragraph (1) not later than 30 days after the date the Secretary is served with that petition, except that the appropriate court may extend the period for filing such a response upon a showing by the Secretary of good cause for that extension.

(3) Copies of administrative record

A response of the Secretary under paragraph (2) shall include a copy of the administrative record for the regulations that are the subject of the petition.

(4) Expedited hearings

Upon a motion by the person who files a petition under this subsection, the appropriate court shall assign the matter for hearing at the earliest possible date.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §204, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1989.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 94–265, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 331, which is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1801 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1801 of this title and Tables.

The Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, referred to in subsec. (c), is act Sept. 7, 1950, ch. 907, 64 Stat. 777, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§951 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 951 of this title and Tables.

The South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 100–330, June 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 591, which is classified generally to chapter 16C (§973 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 973 of this title and Tables.

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is title V of Pub. L. 109–479, Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3635, which is classified generally to chapter 88 (§6901 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6901 of this title and Tables.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 102–567, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4270. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

§7805. Enforcement

(a) Responsibility

This chapter, and any regulations or permits issued under this chapter, shall be enforced by the Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Such Secretaries shall, and the head of any Federal or State agency that has entered into an agreement with either such Secretary under this section may (if the agreement so provides), authorize officers to enforce this chapter or any regulation promulgated under this chapter. Any officer so authorized may enforce this chapter in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though section 311 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1861) were incorporated into and made a part of this chapter.

(b) Administration and enforcement

The Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall prevent any person from violating this chapter in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though sections 308 through 311 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1858 through 1861) were incorporated into and made a part of this chapter. Any person that violates this chapter shall be subject to the penalties, and entitled to the privileges and immunities, provided in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) in the same manner and by the same means as though sections 308 through 311 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1858 through 1861) were incorporated into and made a part of this chapter.

(c) District court jurisdiction

(1) In general

The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any actions arising under this section.

(2) Hawaii and Pacific insular areas

Notwithstanding subsection (b), for the purpose of this section, for Hawaii or any possession of the United States in the Pacific Ocean, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, except that—

(A) in the case of Guam and Wake Island, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of Guam; and

(B) in the case of the Northern Mariana Islands, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(3) Construction

Each violation shall be a separate offense and the offense is deemed to have been committed not only in the district where the violation first occurred, but also in any other district as authorized by law. Any offenses not committed in any district are subject to the venue provisions of section 3238 of title 18.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §205, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1990.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 94–265, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 331, which is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1801 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1801 of this title and Tables.

§7806. Prohibited acts.

It is unlawful for any person—

(1) to violate any provision of this chapter or of any regulation promulgated or permit issued under this chapter;

(2) to use any fishing vessel to engage in fishing without a valid permit or after the revocation, or during the period of suspension, of an applicable permit pursuant to this chapter;

(3) to refuse to permit any officer authorized to enforce this chapter to board a fishing vessel subject to such person's control for the purposes of conducting any investigation or inspection in connection with the enforcement of this chapter;

(4) to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any such authorized officer in the conduct of any search, investigation, or inspection in connection with the enforcement of this chapter or any regulation promulgated or permit issued under this chapter;

(5) to resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by this chapter or any regulation promulgated or permit issued under this chapter;

(6) to ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody, control, or possession of, any fishery resources taken or retained in violation of this chapter or any regulation or permit referred to in paragraph (1) or (2);

(7) to interfere with, delay, or prevent, by any means, the apprehension or arrest of another person, knowing that such other person has committed any act prohibited by this chapter;

(8) to submit to the Secretary false information, regarding any matter that the Secretary is considering in the course of carrying out this chapter;

(9) to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, sexually harass, bribe, or interfere with any observer on a vessel pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, or any data collector employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or under contract to any person to carry out responsibilities under this chapter;

(10) to fail to make, keep, or furnish any catch returns, statistical records, or other reports as are required by regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter to be made, kept, or furnished;

(11) to fail to stop a vessel upon being hailed and instructed to stop by a duly authorized official of the United States;

(12) to import, in violation of any regulation promulgated under this chapter, any fishery resources in any form of those species subject to regulation pursuant to a decision of the Commission;

(13) to make or submit any false record, account, or label for, or any false identification of, any fishery resources that have been or are intended to be imported, exported, transported, sold, offered for sale, purchased, or received in interstate or foreign commerce; or

(14) to refuse to authorize and accept boarding by a duly authorized inspector pursuant to procedures adopted by the Commission for the boarding and inspection of fishing vessels in the Convention Area.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §206, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1991.)

§7807. Cooperation in carrying out the Convention

(a) Federal and State agencies; private institutions and organizations

The Secretary may cooperate with agencies of the United States Government, any public or private institutions or organizations within the United States or abroad, and, through the Secretary of State, the duly authorized officials of the government of any party to the South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention, in carrying out responsibilities under this chapter.

(b) Scientific and other programs; facilities and personnel

All Federal agencies may, upon the request of the Secretary, cooperate in the conduct of scientific and other programs and to furnish facilities and personnel for the purpose of assisting the Commission in carrying out its duties under the South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention.

(c) Sanctioned fishing operations and biological experiments

Nothing in this chapter, or in the laws or regulations of any State, prevents the Secretary or the Commission from—

(1) conducting or authorizing the conduct of fishing operations and biological experiments at any time for purposes of scientific investigation; or

(2) discharging any other duties prescribed by the South Pacific Fishery Resources Convention.

(d) State jurisdiction not affected

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to diminish or to increase the jurisdiction of any State in the territorial sea of the United States.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §207, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1992.)

§7808. Territorial participation

The Secretary of State shall ensure participation in the Commission and its subsidiary bodies by American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the extent allowed under United States law.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §208, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1992.)

§7809. Exclusive economic zone notification

Masters of commercial fishing vessels of countries fishing under the management authority of the South Pacific Fisheries Convention that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with United States enforcement authorities shall, before or as soon as reasonably possible after, entering and transiting the exclusive economic zone bounded by the Convention Area, ensure that all fishing gear on board the vessel is stowed below deck or otherwise removed from the place it is normally used for fishing activities and placed where it is not readily available for fishing activities.

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §209, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1993.)

§7810. Authorization of appropriations

(a) In general

There is authorized to be appropriated out of funds made available to the Secretary and the Secretary of State $300,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021 to carry out this chapter and to pay the United States contribution to the Commission under Article 15 of the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

(b) International cooperation and assistance

(1) In general

Subject to the limits of available appropriations and consistent with applicable law, the Secretary or the Secretary of State may provide appropriate assistance, including grants, to developing nations and international organizations of which such nations are members to assist those nations in meeting their obligations under the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

(2) Transfer of funds

Subject to the limits of available appropriations and consistent with other applicable law, the Secretary and the Secretary of State are authorized to transfer funds to any foreign government and any international, non-governmental, or international organization, including the Commission, for purposes of carrying out the international responsibilities under paragraph (1).

(Pub. L. 114–327, title II, §210, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1993.)