Annual Driftnet Reports to Congress

Each year, we report on the steps the United States takes to execute the provisions of Section 206(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act regarding foreign large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas.

International

Banning Foreign Large-Scale High Seas Driftnets

The continued widespread use of large-scale driftnets beyond the exclusive economic zone of any nation is a destructive fishing practice that poses a threat to living marine resources of the world's oceans.

Each year, we report on the steps the United States takes to execute the provisions of Section 206(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act regarding foreign large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas.

The annual report describes actions of the United States to:

Implement the global moratorium (i.e., temporary ban) on driftnets, as called for by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/215.
Secure a permanent ban on the use of large-scale driftnets by people or vessels fishing on the high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zone of any nation.

Section 206(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the Secretary of Commerce to consult with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security and submit an annual report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Resources.