West Coast Highly Migratory Species: Management Measures
The following are management measures and actions implemented for international fisheries (under the Tuna Conventions Act) and domestic fisheries (under the Magnuson-Stevens Act) that target highly migratory species on the West Coast.
Management Measures/Actions under the Tuna Conventions Act
The regulations implemented under the Tuna Conventions Act, in accordance with resolutions of the IATTC, apply to U.S. fishing vessels targeting or pursuing highly migratory species within the IATTC Convention Area. The recent rules and regulations are listed below, however the current and official list of international fisheries regulations are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR part 300.
Management Measures/Actions under the Magnuson-Stevens Act
Regulations under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species apply to U.S. fishing vessels targeting or pursuing highly migratory species within the West Coast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of California, Oregon, and Washington or the adjacent high seas (seaward of the EEZ) and land their fish in California, Oregon, or Washington. Additional restrictions apply under the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act and for Hawaii-based longline permitted vessels landing into West Coast ports. The fishery management plan does not apply to U.S. vessels that fish for highly migratory species on the high seas and land into a non-U.S. port.
There have been five regulatory amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species. Because fishery rules frequently change, fishermen must familiarize themselves with the latest regulations and are responsible for complying with the current official regulations set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR part 660. Fishermen should also check with state authorities before engaging in fishing activities within state waters.