Rule for Area of Overlap Between the Convention Areas of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

This final rule revises the management regime for fishing vessels that target tunas and other highly migratory fish species in the area of overlapping jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean between the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC). 

The rule applies all regulations implementing IATTC resolutions in the area of overlapping jurisdiction (overlap area) and some regulations implementing WCPFC decisions. Under this rule, regulations implementing WCPFC decisions on catch and fishing effort limits, bycatch mitigation measures, and associated reporting requirements no longer apply in the overlap area. Regulations implementing WCPFC decisions on purse seine observer coverage, transshipment, and associated regulations also no longer apply in the overlap area, with the exception of the prohibition on transshipments at sea from or to purse seine vessels. A few other regulations implementing WCPFC decisions continue to apply in the overlap area. 

The final rule is effective on July 22, 2020, except for the revised reporting requirements in 50 CFR 300.218, which are delayed. The revised information collection requirements have not been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). NOAA will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date for the revised reporting requirements upon OMB approval. 

Read the Federal Register notice and supporting documents