Opinion ID: 783268
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: High Seas Fishing Compliance Act

Text: 9 Prior to 1993, the United States had entered into numerous bilateral and multi-lateral agreements providing for the use and protection of various high seas fishery and marine resources. Many of these agreements provided for the protection of endangered and protected species. The restrictions that were imposed by these agreements were applicable only to vessels flagged by countries that were signatories to the agreements. In order to avoid the restrictions, many vessels reflagged in countries that were not party to these agreements. 10 In 1993, the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization addressed the problem of reflagging by negotiating the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas (the Agreement). The Agreement required each party to take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that fishing vessels entitled to fly its flag do not engage in any activity that undermines the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures. 11 In 1995, the United States enacted the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act (Compliance Act), for the purpose of implementing the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas and to establish a system of permitting, reporting, and regulation for vessels of the United States fishing on the high seas. 16 U.S.C. § 5501. The Compliance Act requires United States vessels to obtain permits to engage in fishing operations on the high seas, authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations to implement the Act, proscribes unlawful activities, and establishes enforcement mechanisms. 16 U.S.C. §§ 5504-5506. Further, it imposes conditions and restrictions on the permits that are issued to fishing vessels. 16 U.S.C. § 5503.