NMFS Seeks Information on Entities Engaging in Illegal Fishing
The National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking information from fish importers and others on nations or entities entering into international fishery management agreements related to illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to a Federal Register notice. NMFS is also seeking information on vessels that have engaged in or are engaging in IUU fishing or practices that result in the "bycatch of protected living marine resources" on the high seas or within a nation’s exclusive economic zone, as well as information on any vessels that may have engaged in such activity targeting or incidentally catching sharks.
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NMFS is seeking information from the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 from importers as well as off-loading facilities, port-side government officials, enforcement agents, military personnel, port inspectors, transshipment vessel workers and fish importers, among other places, NMFS said. The information will be reviewed and could be used for identifying nations or entities pursuant to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act.
NMFS encourages submissions before Oct. 1 but will be taking submissions through Dec. 31.