Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act

Bill: 117-hr-404
Sponsor: Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]
Introduced: 2021-01-21 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Fishes
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Summary:
action_date: 2021-01-21
text: 

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act
 
of 2021

 
This bill addresses certain driftnet fishing. Driftnet fishing is a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.
 
Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States.The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years.
 
The Department of Commerce must conduct a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources. 
 
Commerce must award grants to program participants.

action_date: 2022-11-16
text: 

Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act
 
 
This bill addresses certain driftnet fishing. Driftnet fishing is a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.
 
Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States.The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. This expanded prohibition does not apply within the U.S. exclusive economic zone for five years.
 
The Department of Commerce must conduct a transition program to facilitate the phase out of large-scale driftnet fishing and to promote the adoption of alternative fishing practices that minimize the incidental catch of living marine resources. 
 
Commerce must award grants to program participants.
 
Further, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council may recommend and Commerce may approve regulations to collect fees from charter vessel operators that guide recreational anglers who harvest Pacific halibut.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-11-16
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 402.
action_date: 2022-11-16
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 117-561.
action_date: 2022-11-16
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 117-561.
action_date: 2021-11-17
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2021-11-17
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-11-17
text: Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Discharged.
action_date: 2021-02-18
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.
action_date: 2021-01-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-01-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-01-21
text: Introduced in House