International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Restrictions on Fishing for Sharks in the Eastern Pacific Ocean
other · tuna · Published 2017-11-28 · Effective 2018-01-01 · 82 FR 56177
Document
Document number
2017-25617
Federal Register citation
82 FR 56177
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
other
Species
tuna
Publication date
2017-11-28
Effective date
2018-01-01
NOAA docket
Docket No. 170712657-7999-02
Abstract
NMFS is issuing regulations under the Tuna Conventions Act to implement Resolution C-16-05 (Resolution on the Management of Shark Species) of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) adopted in July 2016. Per the Resolution, these regulations require purse seine vessel owners, operators, and crew to follow specified release requirements for sharks in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). These regulations also prohibit longline vessels targeting tuna or swordfish in the EPO from using "shark lines" (a type of fishing gear used on longline vessels to target sharks). This rule is necessary for the United States to satisfy its obligations as a member of the IATTC.