International Fisheries Regulations; Pacific Tuna Fisheries

NMFS issues final regulations to implement recommendations of the IATTC to conserve and manage the tuna fisheries of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). This rule provides for an annual announcement of tuna harvest quotas, closure of the U.S. fishery in the IATTC's Convention Area or in the Yellowfin Regulatory Area (CYRA) when quotas have been reached, and implementation of other measures recommended by the IATTC to ensure conservation and management of fishery resources. The rule also prohibits U.S. citizens from utilizing vessels that service fish-aggregating devices (FADs) and prohibits the transshipment at sea by U.S. purse seine vessels of purse seine-caught tuna. This final rule is intended to ensure that U.S. fisheries are conducted according to the IATTC's recommendations, as approved by the Department of State.