This bill updates the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 to change how the United States implements the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. It revises many definitions (for example, closed areas, fishing, and fishing vessels), adds a term called "regional terms and conditions," and expands the list of prohibited acts to include violating regional terms or limits on fishing effort or catch. The bill changes licensing rules and fee language, lets the Secretary review and sometimes withhold forwarding license applications (for example, for lack of insurance or unpaid penalties), and removes a separate exceptions section. It revises criminal and civil penalty references, changes some enforcement and search provisions, and updates rules about when vessels must leave waters. The bill keeps certain information confidential but lists specific situations when the Secretary may disclose it. It replaces a detailed observers section with repeal, updates closed-area stowage language, authorizes technical assistance and training for Pacific Island Parties, adjusts arbitration language, and authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal year 2025 and each year after.
No publicly available information on estimated costs or savings. The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter but does not state dollar amounts. Fee amounts remain determined by the Treaty and procedures established by the Secretary; no specific fee figures are included in the bill text.
The bill's text shows it is intended to modernize and clarify U.S. implementation of the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. It updates definitions, strengthens licensing controls and enforcement references, protects certain confidential information while allowing limited disclosures for enforcement and management, and provides for technical assistance and training to Pacific Island Parties.
No publicly available information.