New Regulations for Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is issuing a final rule to implement decisions of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
The final rule establishes:
- non-entangling fish aggregating device design requirements
- bycatch restrictions for sharks and ray
- International Maritime Organization number requirements
This rule applies to U.S. fishing vessels used for commercial fishing for highly migratory species on the high seas and in exclusive economic zones in the Convention Area.
This satisfies the obligations of the United States under the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.