Media Release

June 11, 2009 

United States implements WCPFC tuna conservation commitments

The United States Government has published in The Federal Register Proposed Rules with respect to its fishing fleet that implement recent decisions of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).  The regulation (Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species: Fishing Restrictions and Observer Requirements in Purse Seine Fisheries for 2009-2011 and Turtle Mitigation Requirements in Purse Seine Fisheries) covers the use of fish aggregation devices, high seas pocket closure, 100 percent observer coverage and other important conservation measures that WCPFC members, including the United States, agreed to at the most recent meeting of the Commission in Busan, South Korea in December 2008. 

All US purse seine vessels fishing in the WCPFC coverage area, in particular those fishing under the U.S.-South Pacific Tuna Treaty, will be required to comply with the Final Rules that will be adopted after consideration of public comments.  The new rules will fully reflect the obligations of the United States as a member of the WCPFC and will apply the decisions of the Commission to all U.S. purse seine vessels fishing in the region.

Click to download  Federal Register Proposed Rules

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