[104th Congress Public Law 43] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office] <DOC> [DOCID: f:publ43.104] FISHERIES ACT OF 1995 Public Law 104-43 104th Congress An Act To amend the Fishermen's Protective Act. <<NOTE: Nov. 3, 1995 - [H.R. 716]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Fisheries Act of 1995. Conservation.>> SECTION 1. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5501 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fisheries Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The Table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. TITLE I--HIGH SEAS FISHING COMPLIANCE Sec. 101. Short title. Sec. 102. Purpose. Sec. 103. Definitions. Sec. 104. Permitting. Sec. 105. Responsibilities of the Secretary. Sec. 106. Unlawful activities. Sec. 107. Enforcement provisions. Sec. 108. Civil penalties and permit sanctions. Sec. 109. Criminal offenses. Sec. 110. Forfeitures. Sec. 111. Effective date. TITLE II--IMPLEMENTATION OF CONVENTION ON FUTURE MULTILATERAL COOPERATION IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES Sec. 201. Short title. Sec. 202. Representation of United States under convention. Sec. 203. Requests for scientific advice. Sec. 204. Authorities of Secretary of State with respect to convention. Sec. 205. Interagency cooperation. Sec. 206. Rulemaking. Sec. 207. Prohibited acts and penalties. Sec. 208. Consultative committee. Sec. 209. Administrative matters. Sec. 210. Definitions. Sec. 211. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE III--ATLANTIC TUNAS CONVENTION ACT Sec. 301. Short title. Sec. 302. Research and monitoring activities. Sec. 303. Definitions. Sec. 304. Advisory committee procedures. Sec. 305. Regulations and enforcement of Convention. Sec. 306. Fines and permit sanctions. Sec. 307. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 308. Report and savings clause. Sec. 309. Management and Atlantic yellowfin tuna. Sec. 310. Study of bluefin tuna regulations. Sec. 311. Sense of the Congress with respect to ICCAT negotiations. TITLE IV--FISHERMEN'S PROTECTIVE ACT Sec. 401. Findings. Sec. 402. Amendment to the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967. Sec. 403. Reauthorization. Sec. 404. Technical corrections. TITLE V--FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT IN CENTRAL SEA OF OKHOTSK Sec. 501. Short title. Sec. 502. Fishing prohibition. TITLE VI--DRIFTNET MORATORIUM Sec. 601. Short title. Sec. 602. Findings. Sec. 603. Prohibition. Sec. 604. Negotiations. Sec. 605. Certification. Sec. 606. Enforcement. TITLE VII--YUKON RIVER SALMON ACT Sec. 701. Short title. Sec. 702. Purposes. Sec. 703. Definitions. Sec. 704. Panel. Sec. 705. Advisory committee. Sec. 706. Exemption. Sec. 707. Authority and responsibility. Sec. 708. Continuation of agreement. Sec. 709. Administrative matters. Sec. 710. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS Sec. 801. South Pacific tuna amendment. Sec. 802. Foreign fishing for Atlantic herring and Atlantic mackerel. TITLE I <<NOTE: High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995.>> --HIGH SEAS FISHING COMPLIANCE SEC. 101. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5501 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995''. SEC. 102. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5501.>> PURPOSE. It is the purpose of this Act-- (1) to implement the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, adopted by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on November 24, 1993; and (2) to establish a system of permitting, reporting, and regulation for vessels of the United States fishing on the high seas. SEC. 103. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5502.>> DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act-- (1) The term ``Agreement'' means the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, adopted by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on November 24, 1993. (2) The term ``FAO'' means the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (3) The term ``high seas'' means the waters beyond the territorial sea or exclusive economic zone (or the equivalent) of any nation, to the extent that such territorial sea or exclusive economic zone (or the equivalent) is recognized by the United States. (4) The term ``high seas fishing vessel'' means any vessel of the United States used or intended for use-- (A) on the high seas; (B) for the purpose of the commercial exploitation of living marine resources; and (C) as a harvesting vessel, as a mother ship, or as any other support vessel directly engaged in a fishing operation. (5) The term ``international conservation and management measures'' means measures to conserve or manage one or more species of living marine resources that are adopted and applied in accordance with the relevant rules of international law, as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that are recognized by the United States. Such measures may be adopted by global, regional, or sub-regional fisheries organizations, subject to the rights and obligations of their members, or by treaties or other international agreements. (6) The term ``length'' means-- (A) for any high seas fishing vessel built after July 18, 1982, 96 percent of the total length on a waterline at 85 percent of the least molded depth measured from the top of the keel, or the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on that waterline, if that is greater, except that in ships designed with a rake of keel the waterline on which this length is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline; and (B) for any high seas fishing vessel built before July 18, 1982, registered length as entered on the vessel's documentation. (7) The term ``person'' means any individual (whether or not a citizen or national of the United States), any corporation, partnership, association, or other entity (whether or not organized or existing under the laws of any State), and any Federal, State, local, or foreign government or any entity of any such government. (8) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. (9) The term ``vessel of the United States'' means-- (A) a vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, or numbered in accordance with chapter 123 of title 46, United States Code; (B) a vessel owned in whole or part by-- (i) the United States or a territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States; (ii) a State or political subdivision thereof; (iii) a citizen or national of the United States; or (iv) a corporation created under the laws of the United States or any State, the District of Columbia, or any territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States; unless the vessel has been granted the nationality of a foreign nation in accordance with article 92 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a claim of nationality or registry for the vessel is made by the master or individual in charge at the time of the enforcement action by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to enforce applicable provisions of the United States law; and (C) a vessel that was once documented under the laws of the United States and, in violation of the laws of the United States, was either sold to a person not a citizen of the United States or placed under foreign registry or a foreign flag, whether or not the vessel has been granted the nationality of a foreign nation. (10) The terms ``vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States'' and ``vessel without nationality'' have the same meaning as in section 3(c) of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C. 1903(c)). SEC. 104. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5503.>> PERMITTING. (a) In General.--No high seas fishing vessel shall engage in harvesting operations on the high seas unless the vessel has on board a valid permit issued under this section. (b) Eligibility.-- (1) Any vessel of the United States is eligible to receive a permit under this section, unless the vessel was previously authorized to be used for fishing on the high seas by a foreign nation, and (A) the foreign nation suspended such authorization because the vessel undermined the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, and the suspension has not expired; or (B) the foreign nation, within the last three years preceding application for a permit under this section, withdrew such authorization because the vessel undermined the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures. (2) The restriction in paragraph (1) does not apply if ownership of the vessel has changed since the vessel undermined the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, and the new owner has provided sufficient evidence to the Secretary demonstrating that the previous owner or operator has no further legal, beneficial or financial interest in, or control of, the vessel. (3) The restriction in paragraph (1) does not apply if the Secretary makes a determination that issuing a permit would not subvert the purposes of the Agreement. (4) The Secretary may not issue a permit to a vessel unless the Secretary is satisfied that the United States will be able to exercise effectively its responsibilities under the Agreement with respect to that vessel. (c) Application.-- (1) The owner or operator of a high seas fishing vessel may apply for a permit under this section by completing an application form prescribed by the Secretary. (2) The application form shall contain-- (A) the vessel's name, previous names (if known), official numbers, and port of record; (B) the vessel's previous flags (if any); (C) the vessel's International Radio Call Sign (if any); (D) the names and addresses of the vessel's owners and operators; (E) where and when the vessel was built; (F) the type of vessel; (G) the vessel's length; and (H) any other information the Secretary requires for the purposes of implementing the Agreement. (d) Conditions.--The Secretary shall establish such conditions and restrictions on each permit issued under this section as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the obligations of the United States under the Agreement, including but not limited to the following: (1) The vessel shall be marked in accordance with the FAO Standard Specifications for the Marking and Identification of Fishing Vessels, or with regulations issued under section 305 of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1855); and (2) The permit holder shall report such information as the Secretary by regulation requires, including area of fishing operations and catch statistics. <<NOTE: Regulations.>> The Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning conditions under which information submitted under this paragraph may be released. (e) Fees.-- <<NOTE: Regulations.>> (1) The Secretary shall by regulation establish the level of fees to be charged for permits issued under this section. The amount of any fee charged for a permit issued under this section shall not exceed the administrative costs incurred in issuing such permits. The permitting fee may be in addition to any fee required under any regional permitting regime applicable to high seas fishing vessels. (2) The fees authorized by paragraph (1) shall be collected and credited to the Operations, Research and Facilities account of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fees collected under this subsection shall be available for the necessary expenses of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in implementing this Act, and shall remain available until expended. (f) Duration.--A permit issued under this section is valid for 5 years. A permit issued under this section is void in the event the vessel is no longer eligible for United States documentation, such documentation is revoked or denied, or the vessel is deleted from such documentation. SEC. 105. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5504.>> RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY. (a) Record.--The Secretary shall maintain an automated file or record of high seas fishing vessels issued permits under section 104, including all information submitted under section 104(c)(2). (b) Information To FAO.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall-- (1) make available to FAO information contained in the record maintained under subsection (a); (2) promptly notify FAO of changes in such information; (3) promptly notify FAO of additions to or deletions from the record, and the reason for any deletion; (4) convey to FAO information relating to any permit granted under section 104(b)(3), including the vessel's identity, owner or operator, and factors relevant to the Secretary's determination to issue the permit; (5) report promptly to FAO all relevant information regarding any activities of high seas fishing vessels that undermine the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, including the identity of the vessels and any sanctions imposed; and (6) provide the FAO a summary of evidence regarding any activities of foreign vessels that undermine the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures. (c) Information to Flag Nations.--If the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, has reasonable grounds to believe that a foreign vessel has engaged in activities undermining the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures, the Secretary shall-- (1) provide to the flag nation information, including appropriate evidentiary material, relating to those activities; and (2) when such foreign vessel is voluntarily in a United States port, promptly notify the flag nation and, if requested by the flag nation, make arrangements to undertake such lawful investigatory measures as may be considered necessary to establish whether the vessel has been used contrary to the provisions of the Agreement. (d) Regulations.--The Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may promulgate such regulations, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the Agreement and this title. The Secretary shall coordinate such regulations with any other entities regulating high seas fishing vessels, in order to minimize duplication of permit application and reporting requirements. To the extent practicable, such regulations shall also be consistent with regulations implementing fishery management plans under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). (e) <<NOTE: Federal Register, publication.>> Notice of International Conservation and Management Measures.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall publish in the Federal Register, from time to time, a notice listing international conservation and management measures recognized by the United States. SEC. 106. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5505.>> UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES. It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States-- (1) to use a high seas fishing vessel on the high seas in contravention of international conservation and management measures described in section 105(e); (2) to use a high seas fishing vessel on the high seas, unless the vessel has on board a valid permit issued under section 104; (3) to use a high seas fishing vessel in violation of the conditions or restrictions of a permit issued under section 104; (4) to falsify any information required to be reported, communicated, or recorded pursuant to this title or any regulation issued under this title, or to fail to submit in a timely fashion any required information, or to fail to report to the Secretary immediately any change in circumstances that has the effect of rendering any such information false, incomplete, or misleading; (5) to refuse to permit an authorized officer to board a high seas fishing vessel subject to such person's control for purposes of conducting any search or inspection in connection with the enforcement of this title or any regulation issued under this title; (6) to forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with an authorized officer in the conduct of any search or inspection described in paragraph (5); (7) to resist a lawful arrest or detention for any act prohibited by this section; (8) to interfere with, delay, or prevent, by any means, the apprehension, arrest, or detection of another person, knowing that such person has committed any act prohibited by this section; (9) to ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody, control, or possession of, any living marine resource taken or retained in violation of this title or any regulation or permit issued under this title; or (10) to violate any provision of this title or any regulation or permit issued under this title. SEC. 107. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5506.>> ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS. (a) Duties of Secretaries.--This title shall be enforced by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Such Secretaries may by agreement utilize, on a reimbursable basis or otherwise, the personnel, services, equipment (including aircraft and vessels), and facilities of any other Federal agency, or of any State agency, in the performance of such duties. Such Secretaries shall, and the head of any Federal or State agency that has entered into an agreement with either such Secretary under this section may (if the agreement so provides), authorize officers to enforce the provisions of this title or any regulation or permit issued under this title. (b) District Court Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any case or controversy arising under the provisions of this title. In the case of Guam, and any Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States in the Pacific Ocean, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of Guam, except that in the case of American Samoa, the appropriate court is the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. (c) Powers of Enforcement Officers.-- (1) Any officer who is authorized under subsection (a) to enforce the provisions of this title may-- (A) with or without a warrant or other process-- (i) arrest any person, if the officer has reasonable cause to believe that such person has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (6), (7), (8), or (9) of section 106; (ii) board, and search or inspect, any high seas fishing vessel; (iii) seize any high seas fishing vessel (together with its fishing gear, furniture, appurtenances, stores, and cargo) used or employed in, or with respect to which it reasonably appears that such vessel was used or employed in, the violation of any provision of this title or any regulation or permit issued under this title; (iv) seize any living marine resource (wherever found) taken or retained, in any manner, in connection with or as a result of the commission of any act prohibited by section 106; (v) seize any other evidence related to any violation of any provision of this title or any regulation or permit issued under this title; (B) execute any warrant or other process issued by any court of competent jurisdiction; and (C) exercise any other lawful authority. (2) Subject to the direction of the Secretary, a person charged with law enforcement responsibilities by the Secretary who is performing a duty related to enforcement of a law regarding fisheries or other marine resources may make an arrest without a warrant for an offense against the United States committed in his presence, or for a felony cognizable under the laws of the United States, if he has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing a felony. (d) Issuance of Citations.--If any authorized officer finds that a high seas fishing vessel is operating or has been operated in violation of any provision of this title, such officer may issue a citation to the owner or operator of such vessel in lieu of proceeding under subsection (c). If a permit has been issued pursuant to this title for such vessel, such officer shall note the issuance of any citation under this subsection, including the date thereof and the reason therefor, on the permit. <<NOTE: Records.>> The Secretary shall maintain a record of all citations issued pursuant to this subsection. (e) Liability for Costs.--Any person assessed a civil penalty for, or convicted of, any violation of this Act shall be liable for the cost incurred in storage, care, and maintenance of any living marine resource or other property seized in connection with the violation. SEC. 108. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5507.>> CIVIL PENALTIES AND PERMIT SANCTIONS. (a) Civil Penalties.-- (1) Any person who is found by the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5, United States Code, to have committed an act prohibited by section 106 shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty. The amount of the civil penalty shall not exceed $100,000 for each violation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense. The amount of such civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary by written notice. In determining the amount of such penalty, the Secretary shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts committed and, with respect to the violation, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, and such other matters as justice may require. (2) The Secretary may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, any civil penalty that is subject to imposition or that has been imposed under this section. (b) Permit Sanctions.-- (1) In any case in which-- (A) a vessel of the United States has been used in the commission of an act prohibited under section 106; (B) the owner or operator of a vessel or any other person who has been issued or has applied for a permit under section 104 has acted in violation of section 106; or (C) any amount in settlement of a civil forfeiture imposed on a high seas fishing vessel or other property, or any civil penalty or criminal fine imposed on a high seas fishing vessel or on an owner or operator of such a vessel or on any other person who has been issued or has applied for a permit under any fishery resource statute enforced by the Secretary, has not been paid and is overdue, the Secretary may-- (i) revoke any permit issued to or applied for by such vessel or person under this title, with or without prejudice to the issuance of subsequent permits; (ii) suspend such permit for a period of time considered by the Secretary to be appropriate; (iii) deny such permit; or (iv) impose additional conditions and restrictions on such permit. (2) In imposing a sanction under this subsection, the Secretary shall take into account-- (A) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts for which the sanction is imposed; and (B) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, and such other matters as justice may require. (3) Transfer of ownership of a high seas fishing vessel, by sale or otherwise, shall not extinguish any permit sanction that is in effect or is pending at the time of transfer of ownership. Before executing the transfer of ownership of a vessel, by sale or otherwise, the owner shall disclose in writing to the prospective transferee the existence of any permit sanction that will be in effect or pending with respect to the vessel at the time of the transfer. The Secretary may waive or compromise a sanction in the case of a transfer pursuant to court order. (4) In the case of any permit that is suspended under this subsection for nonpayment of a civil penalty or criminal fine, the Secretary shall reinstate the permit upon payment of the penalty or fine and interest thereon at the prevailing rate. (5) No sanctions shall be imposed under this subsection unless there has been prior opportunity for a hearing on the facts underlying the violation for which the sanction is imposed, either in conjunction with a civil penalty proceeding under this section or otherwise. (c) Hearing.--For the purposes of conducting any hearing under this section, the Secretary may issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant papers, books, and documents, and may administer oaths. Witnesses summoned shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid to witnesses in the courts of the United States. In case of contempt or refusal to obey a subpoena served upon any person pursuant to this subsection, the district court of the United States for any district in which such person is found, resides, or transacts business, upon application by the United States and after notice to such person, shall have jurisdiction to issue an order requiring such person to appear and give testimony before the Secretary or to appear and produce documents before the Secretary, or both, and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof. (d) Judicial Review.--Any person against whom a civil penalty is assessed under subsection (a) or against whose vessel a permit sanction is imposed under subsection (b) (other than a permit suspension for nonpayment of penalty or fine) may obtain review thereof in the United States district court for the appropriate district by filing a complaint against the Secretary in such court within 30 days from the date of such penalty or sanction. The Secretary shall promptly file in such court a certified copy of the record upon which such penalty or sanction was imposed, as provided in section 2112 of title 28, United States Code. The findings and order of the Secretary shall be set aside by such court if they are not found to be supported by substantial evidence, as provided in section 706(2) of title 5, United States Code. (e) Collection.-- (1) If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty after it has become a final and unappealable order, or after the appropriate court has entered final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the matter shall be referred to the Attorney General, who shall recover the amount assessed in any appropriate district court of the United States. In such action the validity and appropriateness of the final order imposing the civil penalty shall not be subject to review. (2) A high seas fishing vessel (including its fishing gear, furniture, appurtenances, stores, and cargo) used in the commission of an act prohibited by section 106 shall be liable in rem for any civil penalty assessed for such violation under subsection (a) and may be proceeded against in any district court of the United States having jurisdiction thereof. Such penalty shall constitute a maritime lien on such vessel that may be recovered in an action in rem in the district court of the United States having jurisdiction over the vessel. SEC. 109. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5508.>> CRIMINAL OFFENSES. (a) Offenses.--A person is guilty of an offense if the person commits any act prohibited by paragraph (6), (7), (8), or (9) of section 106. (b) Punishment.--Any offense described in subsection (a) is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine under title 18, United States Code, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; except that if in the commission of any offense the person uses a dangerous weapon, engages in conduct that causes bodily injury to any authorized officer, or places any such officer in fear of imminent bodily injury, the offense is a felony punishable by a fine under title 18, United States Code, or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both. SEC. 110. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5509.>> FORFEITURES. (a) In General.--Any high seas fishing vessel (including its fishing gear, furniture, appurtenances, stores, and cargo) used, and any living marine resources (or the fair market value thereof) taken or retained, in any manner, in connection with or as a result of the commission of any act prohibited by section 106 (other than an act for which the issuance of a citation under section 107 is a sufficient sanction) shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. All or part of such vessel may, and all such living marine resources (or the fair market value thereof) shall, be forfeited to the United States pursuant to a civil proceeding under this section. (b) Jurisdiction of District Courts.--Any district court of the United States shall have jurisdiction, upon application of the Attorney General on behalf of the United States, to order any forfeiture authorized under subsection (a) and any action provided for under subsection (d). (c) Judgment.--If a judgment is entered for the United States in a civil forfeiture proceeding under this section, the Attorney General may seize any property or other interest declared forfeited to the United States, which has not previously been seized pursuant to this title or for which security has not previously been obtained. The provisions of the customs laws relating to-- (1) the seizure, forfeiture, and condemnation of property for violation of the customs law; (2) the disposition of such property or the proceeds from the sale thereof; and (3) the remission or mitigation of any such forfeiture; shall apply to seizures and forfeitures incurred, or alleged to have been incurred, under the provisions of this title, unless such provisions are inconsistent with the purposes, policy, and provisions of this title. (d) Procedure.-- (1) Any officer authorized to serve any process in rem that is issued by a court under section 107(b) shall-- (A) stay the execution of such process; or (B) discharge any living marine resources seized pursuant to such process; upon receipt of a satisfactory bond or other security from any person claiming such property. Such bond or other security shall be conditioned upon such person delivering such property to the appropriate court upon order thereof, without any impairment of its value, or paying the monetary value of such property pursuant to an order of such court. Judgment shall be recoverable on such bond or other security against both the principal and any sureties in the event that any condition thereof is breached, as determined by such court. (2) Any living marine resources seized pursuant to this title may be sold, subject to the approval of the appropriate court, for not less than the fair market value thereof. The proceeds of any such sale shall be deposited with such court pending the disposition of the matter involved. (e) Rebuttable Presumption.--For purposes of this section, all living marine resources found on board a high seas fishing vessel and which are seized in connection with an act prohibited by section 106 are presumed to have been taken or retained in violation of this title, but the presumption can be rebutted by an appropriate showing of evidence to the contrary. SEC. 111. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5501 note.>> EFFECTIVE DATE. This title shall take effect 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. TITLE II <<NOTE: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995.>> --IMPLEMENTATION OF CONVENTION ON FUTURE MULTILATERAL COOPERATION IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES SEC. 201. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5601 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995''. SEC. 202. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5601.>> REPRESENTATION OF UNITED STATES UNDER CONVENTION. (a) Commissioners.-- (1) Appointments, generally.--The Secretary shall appoint not more than 3 individuals to serve as the representatives of the United States on the General Council and the Fisheries Commission, who shall each-- (A) be known as a ``United States Commissioner to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization''; and (B) serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (2) Requirements for appointments.-- (A) The Secretary shall ensure that of the individuals serving as Commissioners-- (i) at least 1 is appointed from among representatives of the commercial fishing industry; (ii) 1 (but no more than 1) is an official of the Government; and (iii) 1, other than the individual appointed under clause (ii), is a voting member of the New England Fishery Management Council. (B) The Secretary may not appoint as a Commissioner an individual unless the individual is knowledgeable and experienced concerning the fishery resources to which the Convention applies. (3) Terms.-- (A) The term of an individual appointed as a Commissioner-- (i) shall be specified by the Secretary at the time of appointment; and (ii) may not exceed 4 years. (B) An individual who is not a Government official may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms as a Commissioner. (b) Alternate Commissioners.-- (1) Appointment.--The Secretary may, for any anticipated absence of a duly appointed Commissioner at a meeting of the General Council or the Fisheries Commission, designate an individual to serve as an Alternate Commissioner. (2) Functions.--An Alternate Commissioner may exercise all powers and perform all duties of the Commissioner for whom the Alternate Commissioner is designated, at any meeting of the General Council or the Fisheries Commission for which the Alternate Commissioner is designated. (c) Representatives.-- (1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not more than 3 individuals to serve as the representatives of the United States on the Scientific Council, who shall each be known as a ``United States Representative to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Scientific Council''. (2) Eligibility for appointment.-- (A) The Secretary may not appoint an individual as a Representative unless the individual is knowledgeable and experienced concerning the scientific issues dealt with by the Scientific Council. (B) The Secretary shall appoint as a Representative at least 1 individual who is an official of the Government. (3) Term.--An individual appointed as a Representative-- (A) shall serve for a term of not to exceed 4 years, as specified by the Secretary at the time of appointment; (B) may be reappointed; and (C) shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (d) Alternate Representatives.-- (1) Appointment.--The Secretary may, for any anticipated absence of a duly appointed Representative at a meeting of the Scientific Council, designate an individual to serve as an Alternate Representative. (2) Functions.--An Alternate Representative may exercise all powers and perform all duties of the Representative for whom the Alternate Representative is designated, at any meeting of the Scientific Council for which the Alternate Representative is designated. (e) Experts and Advisers.--The Commissioners, Alternate Commissioners, Representatives, and Alternate Representatives may be accompanied at meetings of the Organization by experts and advisers. (f) Coordination and Consultation.-- (1) In general.--In carrying out their functions under the Convention, Commissioners, Alternate Commissioners, Representatives, and Alternate Representatives shall-- (A) coordinate with the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Councils established by section 302 of the Magnuson Act (16 U.S.C. 1852); and (B) consult with the committee established under section 208. (2) Relationship to other law.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to coordination and consultations under this subsection. SEC. 203. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5602.>> REQUESTS FOR SCIENTIFIC ADVICE. (a) Restriction.--The Representatives may not make a request or specification described in subsection (b) (1) or (2), respectively, unless the Representatives have first-- (1) consulted with the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Councils; and (2) received the consent of the Commissioners for that action. (b) Requests and Terms of Reference Described.--The requests and specifications referred to in subsection (a) are, respectively-- (1) any request, under Article VII(1) of the Convention, that the Scientific Council consider and report on a question pertaining to the scientific basis for the management and conservation of fishery resources in waters under the jurisdiction of the United States within the Convention Area; and (2) any specification, under Article VIII(2) of the Convention, of the terms of reference for the consideration of a question referred to the Scientific Council pursuant to Article VII(1) of the Convention. SEC. 204. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5603.>> AUTHORITIES OF SECRETARY OF STATE WITH RESPECT TO CONVENTION. The Secretary of State may, on behalf of the Government of the United States-- (1) receive and transmit reports, requests, recommendations, proposals, and other communications of and to the Organization and its subsidiary organs; (2) object, or withdraw an objection, to the proposal of the Fisheries Commission; (3) give or withdraw notice of intent not to be bound by a measure of the Fisheries Commission; (4) object or withdraw an objection to an amendment to the Convention; and (5) act upon, or refer to any other appropriate authority, any other communication referred to in paragraph (1). SEC. 205. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5604.>> INTERAGENCY COOPERATION. (a) Authorities of Secretary.--In carrying out the provisions of the Convention and this title, the Secretary may arrange for cooperation with other agencies of the United States, the States, the New England and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, and private institutions and organizations. (b) Other Agencies.--The head of any Federal agency may-- (1) cooperate in the conduct of scientific and other programs, and furnish facilities and personnel, for the purposes of assisting the Organization in carrying out its duties under the Convention; and (2) accept reimbursement from the Organization for providing such services, facilities, and personnel. SEC. 206. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5605.>> RULEMAKING. The Secretary shall promulgate regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Convention and this title. Any such regulation may be made applicable, as necessary, to all persons and all vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, wherever located. SEC. 207. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5606.>> PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES. (a) Prohibition.--It is unlawful for any person or vessel that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States-- (1) to violate any regulation issued under this title or any measure that is legally binding on the United States under the Convention; (2) to refuse to permit any authorized enforcement officer to board a fishing vessel that is subject to the person's control for purposes of conducting any search or inspection in connection with the enforcement of this title, any regulation issued under this title, or any measure that is legally binding on the United States under the Convention; (3) forcibly to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any authorized enforcement officer in the conduct of any search or inspection described in paragraph (2); (4) to resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by this section; (5) to ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody, control, or possession of, any fish taken or retained in violation of this section; or (6) to interfere with, delay, or prevent, by any means, the apprehension or arrest of another person, knowing that the other person has committed an act prohibited by this section. (b) Civil Penalty.--Any person who commits any act that is unlawful under subsection (a) shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty, or may be subject to a permit sanction, under section 308 of the Magnuson Act (16 U.S.C. 1858). (c) Criminal Penalty.--Any person who commits an act that is unlawful under paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (6) of subsection (a) shall be guilty of an offense punishable under section 309(b) of the Magnuson Act (16 U.S.C. 1859(b)). (d) Civil Forfeitures.-- (1) In general.--Any vessel (including its gear, furniture, appurtenances, stores, and cargo) used in the commission of an act that is unlawful under subsection (a), and any fish (or the fair market value thereof) taken or retained, in any manner, in connection with or as a result of the commission of any act that is unlawful under subsection (a), shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture as provided in section 310 of the Magnuson Act (16 U.S.C. 1860). (2) Disposal <<NOTE: Regulations.>> of fish.--Any fish seized pursuant to this title may be disposed of pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or, if perishable, in a manner prescribed by regulations issued by the Secretary. (e) Enforcement.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall enforce the provisions of this title and shall have the authority specified in sections 311 (a), (b)(1), and (c) of the Magnuson Act (16 U.S.C. 1861 (a), (b)(1), and (c)) for that purpose. (f) Jurisdiction of Courts.--The district courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any case or controversy arising under this section and may, at any time-- (1) enter restraining orders or prohibitions; (2) issue warrants, process in rem, or other process; (3) prescribe and accept satisfactory bonds or other security; and (4) take such other actions as are in the interests of justice. SEC. 208. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5607.>> CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of State and the Secretary, shall jointly establish a consultative committee to advise the Secretaries on issues related to the Convention. (b) Membership.-- (1) The membership of the Committee shall include representatives from the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the States represented on those Councils, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the fishing industry, the seafood processing industry, and others knowledgeable and experienced in the conservation and management of fisheries in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. (2) Terms and Reappointment.--Each member of the consultative committee shall serve for a term of two years and shall be eligible for reappointment. (c) Duties of the Committee.--Members of the consultative committee may attend-- (1) all public meetings of the General Council or the Fisheries Commission; (2) any other meetings to which they are invited by the General Council or the Fisheries Commission; and (3) all nonexecutive meetings of the United States Commissioners. (d) Relationship to Other Law.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the consultative committee established under this section. SEC. 209. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5608.>> ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS. (a) Prohibition on Compensation.--A person shall not receive any compensation from the Government by reason of any service of the person as-- (1) a Commissioner, Alternate Commissioner, Representative, or Alternative Representative; (2) an expert or adviser authorized under section 202(e); or (3) a member of the consultative committee established by section 208. (b) Travel and Expenses.--The Secretary of State shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, pay all necessary travel and other expenses of persons described in subsection (a)(1) and of not more than six experts and advisers authorized under section 202(e) with respect to their actual performance of their official duties pursuant to this title, in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations and sections 5701, 5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 of title 5, United States Code. (c) Status as Federal Employees.--A person shall not be considered to be a Federal employee by reason of any service of the person in a capacity described in subsection (a), except for purposes of injury compensation and tort claims liability under chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, and chapter 17 of title 28, United States Code, respectively. SEC. 210. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5609.>> DEFINITIONS. In this title the following definitions apply: (1) Authorized enforcement officer.--The term ``authorized enforcement officer'' means a person authorized to enforce this title, any regulation issued under this title, or any measure that is legally binding on the United States under the Convention. (2) Commissioner.--The term ``Commissioner'' means a United States Commissioner to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization appointed under section 202(a). (3) Convention.--The term ``Convention'' means the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, done at Ottawa on October 24, 1978. (4) Fisheries commission.--The term ``Fisheries Commission'' means the Fisheries Commission provided for by Articles II, XI, XII, XIII, and XIV of the Convention. (5) General council.--The term ``General Council'' means the General Council provided for by Article II, III, IV, and V of the Convention. (6) Magnuson act.--The term ``Magnuson Act'' means the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). (7) Organization.--The term ``Organization'' means the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization provided for by Article II of the Convention. (8) Person.--The term ``person'' means any individual (whether or not a citizen or national of the United States), and any corporation, partnership, association, or other entity (whether or not organized or existing under the laws of any State). (9) Representative.--The term ``Representative'' means a United States Representative to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Scientific Council appointed under section 202(c). (10) Scientific council.--The term ``Scientific Council'' means the Scientific Council provided for by Articles II, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X of the Convention. (11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. SEC. 211. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5610.>> AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, including use for payment as the United States contribution to the Organization as provided in Article XVI of the Convention, $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. TITLE III <<NOTE: Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act of 1995.>> --ATLANTIC TUNAS CONVENTION ACT SEC. 301. <<NOTE: 16 USC 971 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act of 1995''. SEC. 302. RESEARCH AND MONITORING ACTIVITIES. (a) Report to Congress.--The Secretary of Commerce shall, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives-- (1) identifying current governmental and nongovernmental research and monitoring activities on Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species; (2) describing the personnel and budgetary resources allocated to such activities; and (3) explaining how each activity contributes to the conservation and management of Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species. (b) Research and Monitoring Program.--Section 3 of the Act of September 4, 1980 (16 U.S.C. 971i) is amended-- (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: ``SEC. 3. RESEARCH ON ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES.''; (2) by striking the last sentence; (3) by inserting ``(a) Biennial Report on Bluefin Tuna.--'' before ``The Secretary of Commerce shall''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) Highly Migratory Species Research and Monitoring.-- ``(1) Within 6 months after the date of enactment of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Authorization Act of 1995, the Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with the advisory committee established under section 4 of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971b) and in consultation with the United States Commissioners on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (referred to elsewhere in this section as the `Commission') and the Secretary of State, shall develop and implement a comprehensive research and monitoring program to support the conservation and management of Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species that shall-- ``(A) identify and define the range of stocks of highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean, including Atlantic bluefin tuna; and ``(B) provide for appropriate participation by nations which are members of the Commission. ``(2) The program shall provide for, but not be limited to-- ``(A) statistically designed cooperative tagging studies; ``(B) genetic and biochemical stock analyses; ``(C) population censuses carried out through aerial surveys of fishing grounds and known migration areas; ``(D) adequate observer coverage and port sampling of commercial and recreational fishing activity; ``(E) collection of comparable real-time data on commercial and recreational catches and landings through the use of permits, logbooks, landing reports for charter operations and fishing tournaments, and programs to provide reliable reporting of the catch by private anglers; ``(F) studies of the life history parameters of Atlantic bluefin tuna and other highly migratory species; ``(G) integration of data from all sources and the preparation of data bases to support management decisions; and ``(H) other research as necessary. ``(3) In developing a program under this section, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) ensure that personnel and resources of each regional research center shall have substantial participation in the stock assessments and monitoring of highly migratory species that occur in the region; ``(B) provide for comparable monitoring of all United States fishermen to which the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act applies with respect to effort and species composition of catch and discards; ``(C) <<NOTE: Intergovernmental relations.>> consult with relevant Federal and State agencies, scientific and technical experts, commercial and recreational fishermen, and other interested persons, public and private, and shall publish <<NOTE: Federal Register, publication.>> a proposed plan in the Federal Register for the purpose of receiving public comment on the plan; and ``(D) through the Secretary of State, encourage other member nations to adopt a similar program.''. SEC. 303. DEFINITIONS. Section 2 of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971) is amended-- (1) by designating paragraphs (3) through (10) as (4) through (11), respectively, and inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) The term `conservation recommendation' means any recommendation of the Commission made pursuant to Article VIII of the Convention and acted upon favorably by the Secretary of State under section 5(a) of this Act.''; (2) by striking paragraph (5), as redesignated, and inserting the following: ``(4) The term `exclusive economic zone' means an exclusive economic zone as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802).''; and (3) <<NOTE: 16 USC 971c, 971d.>> by striking ``fisheries zone'' wherever it appears in the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) and inserting ``exclusive economic zone''. SEC. 304. ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROCEDURES. Section 4 of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971b) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``There''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(b)(1) A majority of the members of the advisory committee shall constitute a quorum, but one or more such members designated by the advisory committee may hold meetings to provide for public participation and to discuss measures relating to the United States implementation of Commission recommendations. ``(2) The advisory committee shall elect a Chairman for a 2-year term from among its members. ``(3) The advisory committee shall meet at appropriate times and places at least twice a year, at the call of the Chairman or upon the request of the majority of its voting members, the United States Commissioners, the Secretary, or the Secretary of State. Meetings <<NOTE: Public information.>> of the advisory committee, except when in executive session, shall be open to the public, and prior notice of meetings shall be made public in a timely fashion. ``(4)(A) The Secretary shall provide to the advisory committee in a timely manner such administrative and technical support services as are necessary for the effective functioning of the committee. ``(B) The Secretary and the Secretary of State shall furnish the advisory committee with relevant information concerning fisheries and international fishery agreements. ``(5) The advisory committee shall determine its organization, and prescribe its practices and procedures for carrying out its functions under this Act, the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and the Convention. The <<NOTE: Publication. Public information.>> advisory committee shall publish and make available to the public a statement of its organization, practices, and procedures. ``(6) The advisory committee shall, to the maximum extent practicable, consist of an equitable balance among the various groups concerned with the fisheries covered by the Convention and shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).''. SEC. 305. REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CONVENTION. Section 6(c) of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971d(c)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``and other measures'' after ``regulations'' in the section caption; (2) by inserting ``or fishing mortality level'' after ``quota of fish'' in the last sentence of paragraph (3); and (3) by inserting the following after paragraph (5): ``(6) Identification and notification.-- ``(A) Not later than July 1, 1996, and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Commissioners, and the advisory committee, shall-- ``(i) identify those nations whose fishing vessels are fishing, or have fished during the preceding calendar year, within the convention area in a manner or under circumstances that diminish the effectiveness of a conservation recommendation; ``(ii) notify the President and the nation so identified, including an explanation of the reasons therefor; and ``(iii) <<NOTE: Publication.>> publish a list of those Nations identified under subparagraph (A). In identifying those Nations, the Secretary shall consider, based on the best available information, whether those Nations have measures in place for reporting, monitoring, and enforcement, and whether those measures diminish the effectiveness of any conservation recommendation. ``(7) Consultation.--Not later than 30 days after a Nation is notified under paragraph (6), the President may enter into consultations with the Government of that Nation for the purpose of obtaining an agreement that will-- ``(A) effect the immediate termination and prevent the resumption of any fishing operation by vessels of that Nation within the Convention area which is conducted in a manner or under circumstances that diminish the effectiveness of the conservation recommendation; ``(B) when practicable, require actions by that Nation, or vessels of that Nation, to mitigate the negative impacts of fishing operations on the effectiveness of the conservation recommendation involved, including but not limited to, the imposition of subsequent-year deductions for quota overages; and ``(C) result in the establishment, if necessary, by such Nation of reporting, monitoring, and enforcement measures that are adequate to ensure the effectiveness of conservation recommendations.''. SEC. 306. FINES AND PERMIT SANCTIONS. Section 7(e) of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971(e)) <<NOTE: 16 USC 971e.>> is amended to read as follows: ``(e) The civil penalty and permit sanctions of section 308 of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1858) are hereby made applicable to violations of this section as if they were violations of section 307 of that Act.''. SEC. 307. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 10 of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971h) is amended to read as follows: ``AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS ``Sec. 10. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, including use for payment of the United States share of the joint expenses of the Commission as provided in Article X of the Convention, the following sums: ``(1) For fiscal year 1995, $4,103,000, of which $50,000 are authorized in the aggregate for the advisory committee established under section 4 and the species working groups established under section 4A, and $2,890,000 are authorized for research activities under this Act and the Act of September 4, 1980 (16 U.S.C. 971i). ``(2) For fiscal year 1996, $5,453,000, of which $50,000 are authorized in the aggregate for such advisory committee and such working groups, and $4,240,000 are authorized for such research activities. ``(3) For fiscal year 1997, $5,465,000 of which $62,000 are authorized in the aggregate for such advisory committee and such working groups, and $4,240,000 are authorized for such research activities. ``(4) For fiscal year 1998, $5,465,000 of which $75,000 are authorized in the aggregate for such advisory committee and such working groups, and $4,240,000 are authorized for such research activities.''. SEC. 308. REPORT AND SAVINGS CLAUSE. The Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``Sec. 11. <<NOTE: 16 USC 971j.>> Annual report ``Not later than April 1, 1996, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and transmit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report, that-- ``(1) details for the previous 10-year period the catches and exports to the United States of highly migratory species (including tunas, swordfish, marlin and sharks) from Nations fishing on Atlantic stocks of such species that are subject to management by the Commission; ``(2) identifies those fishing Nations whose harvests are inconsistent with conservation and management recommendations of the Commission; ``(3) describes reporting requirements established by the Secretary to ensure that imported fish products are in compliance with all international management measures, including minimum size requirements, established by the Commission and other international fishery organizations to which the United States is a party; and ``(4) describes actions taken by the Secretary under section 6. ``Sec. 12. <<NOTE: 16 USC 971k.>> Savings clause ``Nothing in this Act shall have the effect of diminishing the rights and obligations of any Nation under Article VIII(3) of the Convention.''. SEC. 309. MANAGEMENT OF ATLANTIC YELLOWFIN TUNA. (a) <<NOTE: Publication.>> Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with this section shall publish a preliminary determination of the level of the United States recreational and commercial catch of Atlantic yellowfin tuna on an annual basis since 1980. <<NOTE: Federal Register, publication.>> The Secretary shall publish a preliminary determination in the Federal Register for comment for a period not to exceed 60 days. The Secretary shall publish a final determination not later than 140 days from the date of the enactment of this section. (b) <<NOTE: 16 USC 971c note.>> Not later than July 1, 1996, the Secretary of Commerce shall implement the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas regarding yellowfin tuna made pursuant to Article VIII of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and acted upon favorably by the Secretary of State under section 5(a) of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971c(a)). <<NOTE: Reports.>> SEC. 310. STUDY OF BLUEFIN TUNA REGULATIONS. Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate and to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the historic rationale, effectiveness, and biological and economic efficiency of existing bluefin tuna regulations for United States Atlantic fisheries. Specifically, the biological rationale for each regional and category allocation, including directed and incidental categories, should be described in light of the average size, age, and maturity of bluefin tuna caught in each fishery and the effect of this harvest on stock rebuilding and sustainable yield. The report should examine the history and evaluate the level of wasteful discarding, and evaluate the effectiveness of non-quota regulations at constraining harvests within regions. Further, comments should be provided on levels of participation in specific fisheries in terms of vessels and trips, enforcement implications, and the importance of monitoring information provided by these allocations on the precision of the stock assessment estimates. SEC. 311. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS WITH RESPECT TO ICCAT NEGOTIATIONS. (a) Sharing of Conservation Burden.--It is the sense of the Congress that in future negotiations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (hereafter in this section referred to as ``ICCAT''), the Secretary of Commerce shall ensure that the conservation actions recommended by international commissions and implemented by the Secretary for United States commercial and recreational fishermen provide fair and equitable sharing of the conservation burden among all contracting harvesters in negotiations with those commissions. (b) Enforcement Provisions.--It is further the sense of the Congress that, during 1995 ICCAT negotiations on swordfish and other Highly Migratory Species managed by ICCAT, the Congress encourages the United States Commissioners to add enforcement provisions similar to those applicable to bluefin tuna. (c) Enhanced Monitoring.--It is further the sense of the Congress that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Customs Service should enhance monitoring activities to ascertain what specific stocks are being imported into the United States and the country of origin. (d) Multilateral Enforcement Process.--It is further the sense of the Congress that the United States Commissioners should pursue as a priority the establishment and implementation prior to December 31, 1996, an effective multilateral process that will enable ICCAT nations to enforce the conservation recommendations of the Commission. TITLE IV--FISHERMEN'S PROTECTIVE ACT SEC. 401. <<NOTE: 22 USC 1980a note.>> FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) customary international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea guarantee the right of passage, including innocent passage, to vessels through the waters commonly referred to as the ``Inside Passage'' off the Pacific Coast of Canada; (2) in 1994 Canada required all commercial fishing vessels of the United States to pay 1,500 Canadian dollars to obtain a ``license which authorizes transit'' through the Inside Passage; (3) this action was inconsistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and, in particular, Article 26 of that Convention, which specifically prohibits such fees, and threatened the safety of United States commercial fishermen who sought to avoid the fee by traveling in less protected waters; (4) the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 provides for the reimbursement of vessel owners who are forced to pay a license fee to secure the release of a vessel which has been seized, but does not permit reimbursement of a fee paid by the owner in advance in order to prevent a seizure; (5) Canada required that the license fee be paid in person in 2 ports on the Pacific Coast of Canada, or in advance by mail; (6) significant expense and delay was incurred by commercial fishing vessels of the United States that had to travel from the point of seizure back to one of those ports in order to pay the license fee required by Canada, and the costs of that travel and delay cannot be reimbursed under the Fishermen's Protective Act; (7) the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 should be amended to permit vessel owners to be reimbursed for fees required by a foreign government to be paid in advance in order to navigate in the waters of that foreign country if the United States considers that fee to be inconsistent with international law; (8) the Secretary of State should seek to recover from Canada any amounts paid by the United States to reimburse vessel owners who paid the transit license fee; (9) the United States should review its current policy with respect to anchorage by commercial fishing vessels of Canada in waters of the United States off Alaska, including waters in and near the Dixon Entrance, and should accord such vessels the same treatment that commercial fishing vessels of the United States are accorded for anchorage in the waters of Canada off British Columbia; (10) the President should ensure that, consistent with international law, the United States Coast Guard has available adequate resources in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to provide for the safety of United States citizens, the enforcement of United States law, and to protect the rights of the United States and keep the peace among vessels operating in disputed waters; (11) the President should continue to review all agreements between the United States and Canada to identify other actions that may be taken to convince Canada that any reinstatement of the transit license fee would be against Canada's long-term interests, and should immediately implement any actions which the President deems appropriate if Canada reinstates the fee; (12) the President should continue to convey to Canada in the strongest terms that the United States will not now, nor at any time in the future, tolerate any action by Canada which would impede or otherwise restrict the right of passage of vessels of the United States in a manner inconsistent with international law; and (13) the United States should continue its efforts to seek expeditious agreement with Canada on appropriate fishery conservation and management measures that can be implemented through the Pacific Salmon Treaty to address issues of mutual concern. SEC. 402. AMENDMENT TO THE FISHERMEN'S PROTECTIVE ACT OF 1967. (a) The Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1971 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 11. <<NOTE: 22 USC 1980a.>> (a) In any case on or after June 15, 1994, in which a vessel of the United States exercising its right of passage is charged a fee by the government of a foreign country to engage in transit passage between points in the United States (including a point in the exclusive economic zone or in an area over which jurisdiction is in dispute), and such fee is regarded by the United States as being inconsistent with international law, the Secretary of State shall, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, reimburse the vessel owner for the amount of any such fee paid under protest. ``(b) In seeking such reimbursement, the vessel owner shall provide, together with such other information as the Secretary of State may require-- ``(1) a copy of the receipt for payment; ``(2) an affidavit attesting that the owner or the owner's agent paid the fee under protest; and ``(3) a copy of the vessel's certificate of documentation. ``(c) Requests for reimbursement shall be made to the Secretary of State within 120 days after the date of payment of the fee, or within 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, whichever is later. ``(d) Such funds as may be necessary to meet the requirements of this section may be made available from the unobligated balance of previously appropriated funds remaining in the Fishermen's Protective Fund established under section 9. To the extent that requests for reimbursement under this section exceed such funds, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be needed for reimbursements authorized under subsection (a), which shall be deposited in the Fishermen's Protective Fund established under section 9. ``(e) <<NOTE: Claims.>> The Secretary of State shall take such action as the Secretary deems appropriate to make and collect claims against the foreign country imposing such fee for any amounts reimbursed under this section. ``(f) For purposes of this section, the term `owner' includes any charterer of a vessel of the United States.''. (b) The Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1971 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 12. <<NOTE: Certification. 22 USC 1980b.>> (a) If the Secretary of State finds that the government of any nation imposes conditions on the operation or transit of United States fishing vessels which the United States regards as being inconsistent with international law or an international agreement, the Secretary of State shall certify that fact to the President. ``(b) <<NOTE: President.>> Upon receipt of a certification under subsection (a), the President shall direct the heads of Federal agencies to impose similar conditions on the operation or transit of fishing vessels registered under the laws of the nation which has imposed conditions on United States fishing vessels. ``(c) For the purposes of this section, the term `fishing vessel' has the meaning given that term in section 2101(11a) of title 46, United States Code. ``(d) It is the sense of the Congress that any action taken by any Federal agency under subsection (b) should be commensurate with any conditions certified by the Secretary of State under subsection (a).''. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State shall reimburse the owner of any vessel of the United States for costs incurred due to the seizure of such vessel in 1994 by Canada on the basis of a claim to jurisdiction over sedentary species which was not recognized by the United States at the time of such seizure. Any such reimbursement shall cover, in addition to amounts reimbursable under section 3 of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1973), legal fees and travel costs incurred by the owner of any such vessel that were necessary to secure the prompt release of the vessel and crew. Total reimbursements under this subsection may not exceed $25,000 and may be made available from the unobligated balances of previously appropriated funds remaining in the Fishermen's Protective Fund established under section 9 of the Fishermen's Protective Act (22 U.S.C. 1979). SEC. 403. REAUTHORIZATION. (a) Section 7(c) of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1977(c)) is amended by striking the third sentence. (b) Section 7(e) of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1977(e)) is amended by striking ``October 1, 1993'' and inserting ``October 1, 2000''. SEC. 404. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. (a)(1) Section 15(a) of Public Law 103-238 <<NOTE: 16 USC 1383a.>> is amended by striking ``April 1, 1994,'' and inserting ``May 1, 1994.''. (2) <<NOTE: Effective date. 16 USC 1383a note.>> The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall be effective on and after April 30, 1994. (b) Section 803(13)(C) of Public Law 102-567 (16 U.S.C. 5002(13)(C)) is amended to read as follows: ``(C) any vessel supporting a vessel described in subparagraph (A) or (B).''. TITLE V <<NOTE: Sea of Okhotsk Fisheries Enforcement Act of 1995.>> -- FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT IN CENTRAL SEA OF OKHOTSK SEC. 501. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1823 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Sea of Okhotsk Fisheries Enforcement Act of 1995''. SEC. 502. FISHING PROHIBITION. (a) Addition of Central Sea of Okhotsk.--Section 302 of the Central Bering Sea Fisheries Enforcement Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 1823 note) is amended by inserting ``and the Central Sea of Okhotsk'' after ``Central Bering Sea''. (b) <<NOTE: 16 USC 1823 note.>> Definition.--Section 306 of such Act is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) Central sea of okhotsk.--The term `Central Sea of Okhotsk' means the Central Sea of Okhotsk area which is more than two hundred nautical miles seaward of the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea of the Russian Federation is measured.''. TITLE VI <<NOTE: High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act.>> --DRIFTNET MORATORIUM SEC. 601. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1801 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act''. SEC. 602. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1826d note.>> FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) Congress has enacted and the President has signed into law numerous Acts to control or prohibit large-scale driftnet fishing both within the jurisdiction of the United States and beyond the exclusive economic zone of any nation, including the Driftnet Impact Monitoring, Assessment, and Control Act of 1987 (title IV, Public Law 100-220), the Driftnet Act Amendments of 1990 (Public Law 101-627), and the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act (title I, Public Law 102-582); (2) the United States is a party to the Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing with Long Driftnets in the South Pacific, also known as the Wellington Convention; (3) the General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted three resolutions and three decisions which established and reaffirm a global moratorium on large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas, beginning with Resolution 44/225 in 1989 and most recently in Decision 48/445 in 1993; (4) the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted these resolutions and decisions at the request of the United States and other concerned nations; (5) the best scientific information demonstrates the wastefulness and potentially destructive impacts of large-scale driftnet fishing on living marine resources and seabirds; and (6) Resolution 46/215 of the United Nations General Assembly calls on all nations, both individually and collectively, to prevent large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas. SEC. 603. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1826d.>> PROHIBITION. The United States, or any agency or official acting on behalf of the United States, may not enter into any international agreement with respect to the conservation and management of living marine resources or the use of the high seas by fishing vessels that would prevent full implementation of the global moratorium on large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas, as such moratorium is expressed in Resolution 46/215 of the United Nations General Assembly. SEC. 604. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1826e.>> NEGOTIATIONS. The Secretary of State, on behalf of the United States, shall seek to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions and decisions regarding the moratorium on large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas through appropriate international agreements and organizations. SEC. 605. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1826f.>> CERTIFICATION. The Secretary of State shall determine in writing prior to the signing or provisional application by the United States of any international agreement with respect to the conservation and management of living marine resources or the use of the high seas by fishing vessels that the prohibition contained in section 603 will not be violated if such agreement is signed or provisionally applied. SEC. 606. <<NOTE: President. 16 USC 1826g.>> ENFORCEMENT. The President shall utilize appropriate assets of the Department of Defense, the United States Coast Guard, and other Federal agencies to detect, monitor, and prevent violations of the United Nations moratorium on large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas for all fisheries under the jurisdiction of the United States and, in the case of fisheries not under the jurisdiction of the United States, to the fullest extent permitted under international law. TITLE VII <<NOTE: Yukon River Salmon Act of 1995. International agreements. Canada.>> --YUKON RIVER SALMON ACT SEC. 701. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5701 note.>> SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Yukon River Salmon Act of 1995''. SEC. 702. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5701.>> PURPOSES. It is the purpose of this title-- (1) to implement the interim agreement for the conservation of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon River in Canada agreed to through an exchange of notes between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada on February 3, 1995; (2) to provide for representation by the United States on the Yukon River Panel established under such agreement; and (3) to authorize to be appropriated sums necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the United States under such agreement. SEC. 703. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5702.>> DEFINITIONS. As used in this title-- (1) The term ``Agreement'' means the interim agreement for the conservation of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon River in Canada agreed to through an exchange of notes between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada on February 3, 1995. (2) The term ``Panel'' means the Yukon River Panel established by the Agreement. (3) The term ``Yukon River Joint Technical Committee'' means the technical committee established by paragraph C.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada recorded January 28, 1985. SEC. 704. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5703.>> PANEL. (a) Representation.--The United States shall be represented on the Panel by six individuals, of whom-- (1) one shall be an official of the United States Government with expertise in salmon conservation and management; (2) <<NOTE: Alaska.>> one shall be an official of the State of Alaska with expertise in salmon conservation and management; and (3) four shall be knowledgeable and experienced with regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon River. (b) Appointments.--Panel members shall be appointed as follows: (1) The Panel member described in subsection (a)(1) shall be appointed by the Secretary of State. (2) The Panel member described in subsection (a)(2) shall be appointed by the Governor of Alaska. (3) The Panel members described in subsection (a)(3) shall be appointed by the Secretary of State from a list of at least 3 individuals nominated for each position by the Governor of Alaska. The Governor of Alaska may consider suggestions for nominations provided by organizations with expertise in Yukon River salmon fisheries. The Governor of Alaska may make appropriate nominations to allow for, and the Secretary of State shall appoint, at least one member under subsection (a)(3) who is qualified to represent the interests of Lower Yukon River fishing districts, and at least one member who is qualified to represent the interests of Upper Yukon River fishing districts. At least one of the Panel members under subsection (a)(3) shall be an Alaska Native. (c) Alternates.--The Secretary of State may designate an alternate Panel member for each Panel member the Secretary appoints under subsections (b) (1) and (3), who meets the same qualifications, to serve in the absence of the Panel member. The Governor of the State of Alaska may designate an alternative Panel member for the Panel member appointed under subsection (b)(2), who meets the same qualifications, to serve in the absence of that Panel member. (d) Term Length.--Panel members and alternate Panel members shall serve four-year terms. Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. (e) Reappointment.--Panel members and alternate Panel members shall be eligible for reappointment. (f) Decisions.--Decisions by the United States section of the Panel shall be made by the consensus of the Panel members appointed under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a). (g) Consultation.--In carrying out their functions under the Agreement, Panel members may consult with such other interested parties as they consider appropriate. SEC. 705. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5704.>> ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) Appointments.--The Governor of Alaska may appoint an Advisory Committee of not less than eight, but not more than twelve, individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced with regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon River. <<NOTE: Alaska.>> At least 2 of the Advisory Committee members shall be Alaska Natives. Members of the Advisory Committee may attend all meetings of the United States section of the Panel, and shall be given the opportunity to examine and be heard on any matter under consideration by the United States section of the Panel. (b) Compensation.--The members of such Advisory Committee shall receive no compensation for their services. (c) Term Length.--Advisory Committee members shall serve two-year terms. Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. (d) Reappointment.--Advisory Committee members shall be eligible for reappointment. SEC. 706. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5705.>> EXEMPTION. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Panel, the Yukon River Joint Technical Committee, or the Advisory Committee created under section 705 of this title. SEC. 707. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5706.>> AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY. (a) <<NOTE: Alaska.>> Responsible Management Entity.--The State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game shall be the responsible management entity for the United States for the purposes of the Agreement. (b) Effect of Designation.--The designation under subsection (a) shall not be considered to expand, diminish, or change the management authority of the State of Alaska or the Federal Government with respect to fishery resources. (c) Recommendations of Panel.--In addition to recommendations made by the Panel to the responsible management entities in accordance with the Agreement, the Panel may make recommendations concerning the conservation and management of salmon originating in the Yukon River to the Department of the Interior, Department of Commerce, Department of State, North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and other Federal or State entities as appropriate. Recommendations by the Panel shall be advisory in nature. SEC. 708. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5707.>> CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT. In the event that the Treaty between Canada and the United States of America concerning Pacific Salmon, signed at Ottawa, January 28, 1985, terminates prior to the termination of the Agreement, and the functions of the Panel are assumed by the ``Yukon River Salmon Commission'' referenced in the Agreement, the provisions of this title which apply to the Panel shall thereafter apply to the Yukon River Salmon Commission, and the other provisions of this title shall remain in effect. SEC. 709. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5708.>> ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS. (a) Panel members and alternate Panel members who are not State or Federal employees shall receive compensation at the daily rate of GS-15 of the General Schedule when engaged in the actual performance of duties. (b) Travel and other necessary expenses shall be paid for all Panel members, alternate Panel members, United States members of the Joint Technical Committee, and members of the Advisory Committee when engaged in the actual performance of duties. (c) Except for officials of the United States Government, individuals described in subsection (b) shall not be considered to be Federal employees while engaged in the actual performance of duties, except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, and chapter 71 of title 28, United States Code. SEC. 710. <<NOTE: 16 USC 5709.>> AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated $4,000,000 for each fiscal year for carrying out the purposes and provisions of the Agreement and this title including-- (1) necessary travel expenses of Panel members, alternate Panel members, United States members of the Joint Technical Committee, and members of the Advisory Committee in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations and sections 5701, 5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the United States share of the joint expenses of the Panel and the Joint Technical Committee: Provided, That Panel members and alternate Panel members shall not, with respect to commitments concerning the United States share of the joint expenses, be subject to section 262(b) of title 22, United States Code, insofar as it limits the authority of United States representatives to international organizations with respect to such commitments; (3) not more than $3,000,000 for each fiscal year to the Department of the Interior and to the Department of Commerce for survey, restoration, and enhancement activities related to Yukon River salmon; and (4) $400,000 in each of fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999 to be contributed to the Yukon River Restoration and Enhancement Fund and used in accordance with the Agreement. TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS SEC. 801. <<NOTE: Dolphins. Marine mammals.>> SOUTH PACIFIC TUNA AMENDMENT. Section 9 of the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C. 973g) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``(h) Notwithstanding the requirements of-- ``(1) section 1 of the Act of August 26, 1983 (97 Stat. 587; 46 U.S.C. 12108); ``(2) the general permit issued on December 1, 1980, to the American Tunaboat Association under section 104(h)(1) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1374(h)(1)); and ``(3) sections 104(h)(2) and 306(a) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1374(h)(2) and 1416(a))-- any vessel documented under the laws of the United States as of the date of enactment of the Fisheries Act of 1995 for which a license has been issued under subsection (a) may fish for tuna in the Treaty Area, including those waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States in accordance with international law, subject to the provisions of the treaty and this Act, provided that no such vessel fishing in the Treaty Area intentionally deploys a purse seine net to encircle any dolphin or other marine mammal in the course of fishing under the provisions of the Treaty or this Act.''. SEC. 802. <<NOTE: 16 USC 1821 note.>> FOREIGN FISHING FOR ATLANTIC HERRING AND ATLANTIC MACKEREL. Notwithstanding any other provision of law-- (1) no allocation may be made to any foreign nation or vessel under section 201 of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) in any fishery for which there is not a fishery management plan implemented in accordance with that Act; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce may not approve the portion of any permit application submitted under section 204(b) of the Act which proposes fishing by a foreign vessel for Atlantic mackerel or Atlantic herring unless-- (A) the appropriate regional fishery management council recommends under section 204(b)(5) of that Act that the Secretary approve such fishing, and (B) the Secretary of Commerce includes in the permit any conditions or restrictions recommended by the appropriate regional fishery management council with respect to such fishing. Approved November 3, 1995. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 716 (S. 267): --------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOUSE REPORTS: No. 104-47 (Comm. on Resources). SENATE REPORTS: No. 104-91 accompanying S. 267 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 141 (1995): Apr. 3, considered and passed House. June 30, considered and passed Senate, amended, in lieu of S. 267. Oct. 25, House concurred in Senate amendment. WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 31 (1995): Nov. 3, Presidential statement. <all>