News and Announcements | NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Begins SIMP Enforcement

In December 2016, NOAA established the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), which set permitting, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements that are currently applicable to imports of 13 species (abalone, Atlantic cod, Pacific cod, blue crab, red kin

April 10, 2018 - Feature Story ,

International

Men Fined for Capturing a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle

In October 2017, two visitors from the continental U.S. sparked outrage when they posted a photo of themselves holding a green sea turtle (honu) on a Hawaiʻi Island beach. In the photo caption, they boasted about risking a fine to catch the turtle.

November 30, 2017 - Feature Story ,

Pacific Islands

Green sea turtle swimming just beneath the surface of the water.

Enforcement Focusing on Subsistence Fishing Violations

Subsistence halibut fishing is important for rural Alaskans. NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement personnel is increasing outreach efforts about the program.

November 06, 2017 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

NOAA Enforcement works with partners to prevent lethal interactions between whales and fishing gear

Regulations have been put in place to reduce the risk of serious injury and death of large whales caused by entanglement in U.S. commercial trap/pot and gillnet fishing gear.

November 06, 2017 - Feature Story ,

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Immediate Action Saves Baby Beluga Whale

Successful Rescue Operation Requires Interagency Cooperation

October 17, 2017 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

Man Sentenced to Prison for Beating Hawaiian Monk Seal

Shylo Akuna was sentenced to four years in prison after the court found him guilty of harassment of an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

August 01, 2017 - Feature Story ,

Pacific Islands

Two-Week Workshop Targets Capacity Building to Prevent IUU Fishing

Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a global responsibility, but many countries lack sufficient knowledge and skills to be an effective partner in the fight against it. In order to address this, the United States has agreed to p

July 20, 2017 - Feature Story ,

National

NOAA Enforcement, State Partners Focus on Red Snapper Enforcement Operations

Fines, Patrols Increase for Red Snapper Fishery - In order to better protect the red snapper fish stocks in the Southeast, NOAA Enforcement increases patrols and General Counsel increases fines associated with species violations.

May 04, 2017 - Feature Story ,

Southeast

NOAA Law Enforcement Joins International Training Event Targeting Increased Maritime Enforcement Capabilities

To increase capabilities to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, OLE travels to Ghana with an invitation from the U.S. Department of Defense.

April 28, 2017 - Feature Story

Landing Reports Indicate Violations in Alaska’s Restricted Fishing Area

Halibut Fisherman Fined $5K for Sitka LAMP Fishing - Landing report identified illegal activity.

March 10, 2017 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

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