zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
National Marine Fisheries Service Ombudsman Act of 2010 - Establishes an Office of the Ombudsman in the National Marine Fisheries Service which shall be under the direction of the Ombudsman of the National Marine Fisheries Service, who shall be appointed by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the Ombudsman to maintain a regional Ombudsman in each of the regions for which a Regional Fishery Management Council. Requires the Ombudsman to report solely to, and be under the general supervision of, the Administrator and allows the removal of the Ombudsman only by the Administrator for neglect of duty, misconduct, or inability to perform the duties of the office of the Ombudsman. Sets forth the duties of the Ombudsman, including: (1) to act as a neutral third party who conducts informal, impartial fact finding and investigations; (2) to identify points of conflict or contention (and to mitigate such points of conflict or contention) between the fishing industry and the National Marine Fisheries Service with respect to the implementation and enforcement of regulations; (3) through each regional ombudsman, to serve as a point of contact for local fishermen and businesses that are regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service; and (4) to maintain a public Internet site that includes contact information for each regional office.

Date: 2010-04-29
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the deposit of sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of the Act or of any other marine resource laws enforced by the Secretary of Commerce into the Treasury to be applied to reduce the annual federal budget deficit or, if there is no such deficit, to reduce outstanding federal debt.

Date: 2010-07-01
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Ensuring Fairness for Fishermen Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the payment of costs, fees, and expenses incurred by certain prevailing parties in proceedings under such Act from sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a process for paying attorneys' fees to defendants who are substantially prevailing parties in criminal actions brought under such Act during the period beginning on November 28, 1990, and ending on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to permit recreational fishing for Atlantic Striped Bass in the Block Island Sound transit zone, except for seasonal or other temporary limitations on fishing that are specifically necessary for the conservation and management of Atlantic striped bass. Defines "Block Island Sound transit zone" as the area of the exclusive economic zone within Block Island Sound, north of a line connecting Montauk Light, Montauk Point, New York, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island, and west of a line connecting Point Judith Light, Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island.

Date: 2010-08-10
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
McKinney National Fish Hatchery Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery in Richmond County, North Carolina, to the state of North Carolina to be used by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a component of the fish and wildlife management program of the state. Requires the state to allow the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to use such property for the propagation of any critically important aquatic resource held in public trust to address the specific restoration or recovery needs of such resource. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the Commission for any costs incurred for the use of such property.

Date: 2010-09-14
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fishery Conservation Transition Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, for certain fisheries for which a fishery management plan is in effect that contains a complete prohibition on the retention of stocks subject to overfishing within the fishery for the entire fishing season, to determine whether such prohibition is sufficient to prevent or end overfishing for the stocks, or stocks being overfished. Sets forth provisions for specified remedial and other actions to be taken by the Secretary if the prohibition contained in such a plan is insufficient to prevent or end overfishing for the stocks to which it applies. Establishes an economic assistance program to assist recreational and commercial fishery participants, fishing industries, and fishing communities significantly affected by a prohibition on the retention of stocks to end or prevent overfishing or rebuild overfished stocks. Limits the federal share of assistance provided under the program to 75% and requires the provision of state matching funds. Provides criteria for determining the existence of an overfishing situation requiring emergency action. Requires the consideration of specified fishery studies and management measures in the review of any fishery management plan, plan amendment, or regulations relating to the rebuilding of overfished fisheries. Requires the Secretary to assess current management measures for stocks in multispecies fisheries.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Charter and Recreational Fishing Collective Marketing Act of 2009 - Authorizes persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boat or recreational fishermen catching aquatic products to act together in associations in collectively catching, producing, and marketing such aquatic products, including implementing a vessel capacity reduction program, improving the operational and economic efficiency of a fishery, undertaking research, and improving the conservation and management of a fishery resource.

Date: 2009-01-22
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Transportation and public works
New York Fair Fishing Act of 2009 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add New York State as a member of the New England Fishery Management Council.

Date: 2009-04-28
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Revises provisions concerning fishery endorsements for specified vessels that are either over 165 feet, more than 750 or 1,900 gross measured tons, or with more than 3,000 shaft power and that have a certificate of documentation issued for a fishery endorsement effective after September 25, 1997, and not placed under foreign registry after October 21, 1998, to also require for eligibility purposes that the vessel be either a rebuilt or replacement vessel under specified provisions of the American Fisheries Act relating to requirements for rebuilding and replacing vessels that are being revised by this Act and be otherwise eligible. Sets forth rules under such provisions of the American Fisheries Act relating to requirements for rebuilding and replacing vessels that are being revised by this Act concerning: (1) recommendations of the North Pacific Council for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area or the Gulf of Alaska; (2) certain catcher vessels; (3) limitations on fishery endorsements; and (4) Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries limitations. Amends the American Fisheries Act with respect to: (1) the exemption of specified vessels; and (2) fishery allowances and the removal of a catcher vessel from the directed pollock fishery.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Amends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act to consider nonfederal service individuals serving as Commissioners on the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean or advisory committee members to be federal employees only for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability. (Under current law such individuals are considered federal employees for injury compensation, ethics requirements, and criminal or civil statutes governing federal employees.) Amends the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 to: (1) reduce to two the number of individuals appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve as scientific experts on the joint technical committee; and (2) consider nonfederal service individuals serving on the the joint management committee, the scientific review group, the joint technical committee, or the advisory panel to be federal employees only for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability. (Under current law such individuals are considered federal employees for injury compensation, ethics requirements, and criminal or civil statutes governing federal employees.)

Date: 2009-12-10
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a benchmark stock assessment of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery and report to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating any interim rule under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prohibits fishing in the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery before such report demonstrates the need for interim or final rules. Deems any interim rule promulgated prior to enactment of this Act that decreases the number of fishing days to less than the 2009 level to have no force or effect.

Date: 2010-02-25
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
South Atlantic Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a benchmark stock assessment of the South Atlantic red snapper fishery and report to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating any interim rule under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prohibits fishing in the South Atlantic red snapper fishery before such report demonstrates the need for interim or final rules. Prohibits any interim rule that was promulgated before enactment of this Act from having any force or effect.

Date: 2010-02-25
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fishery Conservation Transition Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, for certain fisheries for which a fishery management plan is in effect that contains a complete prohibition on the retention of stocks subject to overfishing within the fishery for the entire fishing season, to determine whether such prohibition is sufficient to prevent or end overfishing for the stocks, or stocks being overfished. Sets forth provisions for specified remedial and other actions to be taken by the Secretary if the prohibition contained in such a plan is insufficient to prevent or end overfishing for the stocks to which it applies. Establishes an economic assistance program to assist recreational and commercial fishery participants, fishing industries, and fishing communities significantly affected by a prohibition on the retention of stocks to end or prevent overfishing or rebuild overfished stocks. Limits the federal share of assistance provided under the program to 75% and requires the provision of state matching funds. Provides criteria for determining the existence of an overfishing situation requiring emergency action. Requires the consideration of specified fishery studies and management measures in the review of any fishery management plan, plan amendment, or regulations relating to the rebuilding of overfished fisheries. Requires the Secretary to assess current management measures for stocks in multispecies fisheries.

Date: 2010-07-15
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery in Richmond County, North Carolina, to the state of North Carolina to be used by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a component of the fish culture program of the state. Requires the state to allow the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to use such property for the propagation of any critically important aquatic resource held in public trust to address the specific restoration or recovery needs of such resource. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the Commission for any costs incurred for the use of such property.

Date: 2010-09-14
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Strengthen Fisheries Management in New England Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) or Secretary of the Treasury to annually make available to the New England Fishery Management Council, for the funding of Council research (including cooperative research) and monitoring priorities, all sums received by the United States as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of any provision of this Act or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary from violations within the Council's fishery management jurisdiction.

Date: 2011-03-10
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Maritime Lien Reform Act - Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing permits (authorizing a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing), and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such permits. Specifies that a "fishing permit" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and is not included in the whole or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Transportation and public works
American Angler Preservation Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require each scientific and statistical committee of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils to provide its respective Council with ongoing risk neutral scientific advice (current law does not specify that such advice be risk neutral) for fishery management decisions. Prohibits such a committee from recommending to increase or decrease an annual catch limit by 20% or greater unless the recommendation has been approved in a peer review process conducted exclusively by nongovernmental entities. Requires fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the rebuilding period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock. Directs the Secretary, within 60 days after receiving a request from the governor of an affected state or a fishing community, to determine whether there is a commercial fishery failure due to a fishery resource disaster resulting from certain causes. Sets forth procedures for certification of a fishery management plan (or amendment) requested by a percentage of eligible fisherman to establish a limited access privilege program to harvest in fisheries under the authority of the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Prohibits the Secretary, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), from closing a fishery that would have an affect of at least $50,000 on each of more than 25 small businesses related to the recreational, charter, or commercial fishing industries involved in the fishery being closed, unless the Secretary certifies that specified conditions have been met.

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fishery Science Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 to postpone from fishing year 2011 to 2014 the effective date upon which a mechanism for specifying annual catch limits and accountability measures for fisheries other than those determined by the Secretary of Commerce to be subject to overfishing must be established in fishery management plans prepared by any Regional Fishery Management Council or the Secretary, implementing regulations, or annual specifications. Makes the catch limit mechanism, for all fisheries, inapplicable to a fishery for any stock of fish: (1) for which a peer reviewed stock survey and stock assessment have not been performed during the five-year period before enactment of this Act and for which the Secretary determines overfishing is not occurring, and (2) that is an ecosystem stock. Defines "ecosystem stock" as a stock of fish determined by the Secretary to be a nontarget stock that is not overfished or likely to become overfished. Requires the Secretary, within 270 days after determining that a fishery is overfished, to perform a stock survey and stock assessment of each of the overfished stocks in the fishery and transmit the assessment to the appropriate Council.

Date: 2011-06-22
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) North Cascades National Park Service Complex Fish Stocking Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize the stocking of fish in lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (the North Cascades National Park Service Complex). Authorizes the Secretary to allow stocking in not more than 42 of the 91 lakes which have historically been stocked with fish. Requires the Secretary to stock only fish that are: (1) native to the slope of the Cascade Range on which the lake to be stock is located, and (2) non-reproducing, as identified in management alternative B of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (June 2008). Instructs the Secretary to take into consideration relevant scientific information, including such plan and the information gathered under the research and monitoring program specified below, in making fish stocking decisions under this Act. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the stocking of fish with the state of Washington. Requires the Secretary to continue, and report to Congress on, a program of research and monitoring of the impacts of fish stocking on the resources of the applicable unit of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Date: 2011-06-24
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Asset Forfeiture Fund Reform and Distribution Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) or the Secretary of the Treasury, after September 30, 2011, to use each of the sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of any provisions of such Act, or of any other fishery resource law enforced by the Secretary, to make a payment to: (1) the state in which the violation occurred, (2) the state in which the vessel involved in the violation is homeported if the violation did not occur in a state, or (3) the state most directly affected by a violation neither occurring in a state nor involving a vessel. (Current law authorizes using such sums for certain civil and criminal enforcement costs.) Directs states to use such amounts for specified research and monitoring activities. Sets forth transitional rules authorizing the Secretary to use such amounts received before October 1, 2011, to reimburse appropriate legal fees and costs, up to $200,000 per person, to specified persons the Secretary directed to receive a remittance of at least a portion of a fisheries enforcement penalty. Prohibits the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from assigning specified rulemaking or adjudication proceedings to an individual who has served as an NOAA administrative law judge for at least a five-year period if such proceeding pertains to the same fishery management region to which the majority of such proceedings that the individual presided over within the period pertained.

Date: 2011-07-21
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 - Prohibits any person from offering billfish or billfish products for sale, selling them, or having custody, control, or possession of them for purposes of offering them for sale or selling them. Treats a violation of this Act as an act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Subjects a person to a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 for each violation, with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate offense. Exempts billfish: (1) caught by U.S. fishing vessels and landed in the state of Hawaii or the Pacific Insular Areas (PIAs); or (2) landed by foreign fishing vessels in the PIAs when the foreign caught billfish is exported to non-U.S. markets or retained within Hawaii and the PIAs for local consumption. Defines "billfish" as any of the following: (1) blue marlin, (2) striped marlin, (3) black marlin, (4) sailfish, (5) shortbill spearfish, (6) white marlin, (7) roundscale spearfish, (8) Mediterranean spearfish, or (9) longbill spearfish. Excludes swordfish from such definition.

Date: 2011-07-29
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Saving Fishing Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, with respect to multispecies fishing permits in the Gulf of Mexico, to remove a provision limiting the eligible signers (a group of fishermen constituting more than 50% of the permit holders, or holding more than 50% of the allocation in the fishery) of a petition to the Secretary of Commerce requesting that the relevant Regional Fishery Management Council or Councils be authorized to initiate the development of a limited access privilege program to only those participants who have substantially fished the species proposed to be included in the program. Sets forth procedures for: (1) certifying a fishery management plan (or amendment) requested by a percentage of eligible fisherman to establish a limited access privilege program to harvest in fisheries under the authority of the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; (2) terminating such a program established after enactment of this Act for a fishery under the authority of such Councils on the first date the number of eligible fishermen in the fishery in a year is at least 15% less than in the year preceding the program's establishment; and (3) collecting fees, including observer costs, pursuant to modified fee-setting requirements for such programs.

Date: 2011-08-01
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Flexibility and Access in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed 10 years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial 10-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock. Directs Regional Fishery Management Councils to consider data on recreational fishermen when specifying annual catch limits in a fishery management plan. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend application of the annual catch limits to a fishery for any period that: (1) the fishery is neither overfished nor approaching such condition, (2) any stock previously affected by overfishing is rebuilt, and (3) scientific advice of the relevant Council committee is insufficient to ensure consistency with the national standard. Requires the fishery impact statement of a fishery management plan to address the impacts and possible mitigation measures for coastal businesses dependent on recreational and commercial fishing industries. Directs: (1) each Council to submit an annual impact statement to the Secretary describing whether each fishery management plan is projected to have any adverse economic impact (and the estimated dollar amount of any impact) on such recreational and commercial fishermen and coastal businesses, and (2) the Secretary to mitigate any such impacts.

Date: 2011-09-23
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to permit recreational fishing for Atlantic Striped Bass in the Block Island Sound transit zone, except for seasonal or other temporary limitations on fishing that are specifically necessary for the conservation and management of Atlantic striped bass. Defines "Block Island Sound transit zone" as the area of the exclusive economic zone within Block Island Sound, north of a line connecting Montauk Light, Montauk Point, New York, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island, and west of a line connecting Point Judith Light, Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island.

Date: 2012-02-06
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce that Act and the Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, the North Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act of 1992, the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995, and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act. Amends several of such Acts as well as the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act, High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995, Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise violations, penalties, permit requirements, port privileges, illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing sanctions, and other enforcement authority. Authorizes additional enforcement measures relating to search or inspection of facilities or conveyances, records inspection, shipment detention, arrest, search and seizure, and service of civil or criminal process. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose certain information to state or federal agencies or internationally to ensure compliance with measures the Secretary enforces, including international fishery agreements. Authorizes: (1) the development and publication of a list of vessels engaged in IUU fishing, including vessels or owners identified by an international fishery management organization or arrangement made pursuant to an international fishery agreement; and (2) taking action against listed vessels. Requires identification and listing of nations that: (1) violate conservation and management measures required under an international fishery management agreement to which the United States is a party, or (2) fail to effectively address or regulate IUU fishing. Extends provisions applicable to nations to other entities that have competency to enter into international fishery management agreements. Authorizes international cooperation and assistance, including grants, to help other nations achieve sustainable fisheries. Antigua Convention Implementing Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to revise provisions regarding: (1) the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, (2) the General Advisory Committee, (3) the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee, (4) prohibited acts, and (5) enforcement. Repeals the Eastern Pacific Tuna Licensing Act of 1984.

Date: 2012-02-28
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and increase Council membership from 21 to 23 members, including: (1) the principal Rhode Island official with marine fishery management responsibility, and (2) a member appointed by the Secretary of Commerce from a list of individuals submitted by the governor of Rhode Island.

Date: 2012-03-01
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to revise the program under which the Secretary of Commerce provides financial assistance for fisheries research and development projects. Directs each Regional Fishery Management Council to establish a fishery investment committee to: (1) develop a regional fishery investment plan identifying research, conservation, management needs, and actions to rebuild and maintain healthy fish populations and sustainable fisheries; and (2) make recommendations to the Council on grant applications and projects to implement the respective plans. Requires that such plans be revised, approved by the relevant Council, and submitted to the Secretary at least once every five years. Directs the Secretary to establish an annual competitive grant program to advance regional priorities included in such plans. Makes state, federal, regional, or private entities or persons eligible for such funding. Requires that preference be given to public-private partnerships. Specifies that national fisheries investment program funds be used by the Secretary for research and investment that supports rebuilding and maintaining healthy U.S. fish populations and promotes sustainable fisheries. (Currently, such funds are used for harvesting, processing, marketing, and other associated infrastructures.) Allocates funds to each Council and marine fisheries commissions. Limits to a specified percentage the funds authorized to offset receipts for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operations, research, and facilities.

Date: 2012-03-19
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
New York Fair Fishing Act of 2012 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add the state of New York as a member of the New England Fishery Management Council.

Date: 2012-06-01
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act - Directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to impose a charge for conducting mitigation fishery activities in connection with federal water resources development projects carried out by water development agencies (Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority [TVA]). Requires such agencies to pay the charge in accordance with a fishery mitigation plan developed and approved by the USFWS Director and the agency head. Defines "mitigation fishery activities" as rearing and stocking of native and nonnative fish to replace or maintain fishery resources or harvest levels lost as a result of such a project, including project planning, population assessment and evaluation, genetic monitoring, broodstock development, and fish health sampling. Requires USFWS's charges to be reasonably related to expenditures necessary to: (1) operate, maintain, and rehabilitate certain USFWS-owned and -operated mitigation fishery facilities, hatcheries, and health centers; and (2) conduct mitigation fishery activities, including expenditures for personnel, transportation, utilities, contractual services, fish feed, supplies, equipment, routine maintenance, deferred maintenance, fish eggs, technical support, fish health, management and administration, planning, and hatchery product evaluations. Permits a water development agency, if it collects reimbursements from a power management agency for the ongoing costs of maintaining and operating a federal water resources development project, to include the costs associated with the project's fishery mitigation activities.

Date: 2012-06-08
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Water resources development
Atlantic Fisheries Statutes Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2017 for the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986, and Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995. Directs the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct: (1) a survey and stock assessment, a cooperative research program, and analyses of genetic samples to determine the stock structure of Atlantic sturgeon distinct population segments along the U.S. Atlantic Coast, report the results to Congress, and use such results to inform Atlantic sturgeon biological opinion, measures, and alternatives; and (2) an analysis of striped bass feeding habits in the New York Bight and report the results to Congress and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Date: 2012-07-10
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific Act of 2012 or REFI Pacific Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce (upon receipt of such assurances as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States) to issue a loan to refinance the existing debt obligation funding the fishing capacity reduction program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery implemented under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003. Requires such loan to have a maturity that expires 45 years after the date of issuance. Prohibits the fee with respect to such loan from exceeding 3% of the ex-vessel value of all fish harvested from each fishery for which the loan is issued.

Date: 2012-09-10
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fishing Impact Statement Honesty Act of 2011 or the FISH Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require a yearly update of each fishery impact statement (FIS) included with specified fishery management plans or amendments. Requires such FISs to: (1) be prepared by an objective person (prohibits U.S. government officers, employees, or entities) selected by the Comptroller General; and (2) determine if the fishery management plan or amendment is consistent with specified national standards for fishery conservation and management, including whether the relevant measures provide for the sustained participation of fishing communities and minimize adverse economic impacts on such communities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after an updated FIS is published, to prepare and begin implementing a comprehensive mitigation plan to: (1) address any identified negative economic or social impacts, and (2) correct specified inconsistencies.

Date: 2011-01-31
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Repeals a provision of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act establishing an inspection and grading program for catfish and other species of farm-raised fish shellfish effective on the date of enactment of such Act..

Date: 2011-03-07
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Maritime Lien Reform Act of 2011 - Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing licenses (authorizing a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing), and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such licenses. Specifies that a "fishing license" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and is not included in the whole or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Asset Forfeiture Responsibility Act of 2011 - Establishes the Fisheries Investment Fund as a separate account in the general fund of the Treasury where all sums received by the United States as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) shall be deposited and remain available until expended. Directs that fees deposited in the Fund be used to: (1) reimburse reasonable attorneys' fees to a person that the Secretary has directed to be remitted a fisheries enforcement penalty as recommended in the report of Special Master Swartwood or a person that submitted a complaint to the Special Master prior to May 7, 2011, seeking remittance of a fisheries enforcement penalty and whom the Secretary directs to receive at least a portion of such remittance; and (2) conduct Fund audits and specified enforcement and monitoring activities under provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act amended by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, during FY2012-FY2013, to reimburse reasonable attorneys' fees to such a person. Directs a person to apply for such reimbursement within 60 days after the Secretary directs a fisheries enforcement penalty be remitted to that person. Allows the Secretary to pay from sums appropriated from the Fund for monitoring activities selected by the Regional Fishery Management Councils, including at-sea observers and shoreside monitoring, preparing fishery impact statements, and other priorities established by a Council as necessary to rebuild or maintain sustainable fisheries, ensure healthy ecosystems, and maintain fishing communities. Removes a provision allowing expenses directly related to investigations and civil or criminal enforcement proceedings, including related expenses necessary for equipment, training, travel, witnesses, and contracting services, to be paid from sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other fishery resource law enforced by the Secretary. Authorizes certain other costs and enforcement expenses to be paid from sums appropriated from the Fund.

Date: 2011-06-30
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and increase Council membership from 21 to 23 members, including: (1) the principal Rhode Island official with marine fishery management responsibility, and (2) a member appointed by the Secretary of Commerce from a list of individuals submitted by the governor of Rhode Island.

Date: 2011-07-14
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Saving Fishing Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, with respect to multispecies fishing permits in the Gulf of Mexico, to remove a provision limiting the eligible signers (fishermen constituting more than 50% of the permit holders, or holding more than 50% of the allocation in the fishery) of a petition to the Secretary of Commerce requesting that the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council or Councils be authorized to initiate the development of a limited access privilege program to only those participants who have substantially fished the species proposed to be included in the program. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to: (1) certify a fishery management plan (or amendment) requested by a percentage of eligible fisherman to establish a limited access privilege program to harvest in fisheries under the authority of the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; (2) terminate such a program in effect on or established after enactment of this Act for a fishery under the authority of such Councils when, within specified periods, the number of eligible fishermen is at least 15% less than the number of such fishermen previously in the fishery; and (3) collect fees, including observer costs, pursuant to modified fee-setting requirements for such programs. Directs the appropriate Council, within a one-year period, to develop an alternative fishery management plan for any such terminated program.

Date: 2011-10-11
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fishery Science Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 to prohibit the requirement that a mechanism be established for specifying annual catch limits in fishery management plans prepared by any Regional Fishery Management Council, or by the Secretary of Commerce, implementing regulations, or annual specifications, at a level such that overfishing does not occur in the fishery, from applying to: (1) a stock of fish for which a stock assessment has not been performed during the previous six-year period, if the Secretary has determined that the fishery is not subject to overfishing of that stock and that the stock is not overfished; and (2) an ecosystem component stock. Defines "ecosystem component stock" as a stock of fish determined by the Secretary to be a nontarget stock that is not subject to overfishing or overfished. Requires that ecosystem component species as determined by the Secretary prior to enactment of this Act be determined to be such ecosystem component stocks after enactment of this Act.

Date: 2011-11-28
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to revise the program under which the Secretary of Commerce provides financial assistance for fisheries research and development projects. Directs each Regional Fishery Management Council to establish a fishery investment committee to: (1) develop a regional fishery investment plan identifying research, conservation, management needs, and actions to rebuild and maintain healthy fish populations and sustainable fisheries; and (2) make recommendations to the Council on grant applications and projects to implement the respective plans. Requires that such plans be revised, approved by the relevant Council, and submitted to the Secretary at least once every five years. Directs the Secretary to establish an annual competitive grant program to advance regional priorities included in such plans. Makes state, federal, regional, or private entities or persons eligible for such funding. Requires that preference be given to public-private partnerships. Specifies that national fisheries investment program funds be used by the Secretary for research and investment that supports rebuilding and maintaining healthy U.S. fish populations and promotes sustainable fisheries. (Currently, such funds are used for harvesting, processing, marketing, and other associated infrastructures.) Allocates funds to each Council and marine fisheries commissions. Limits to a specified percentage the funds authorized to offset receipts for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operations, research, and facilities.

Date: 2012-03-12
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce from issuing any permit or in any other way authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), except in accordance with law enacted after enactment of this Act.

Date: 2013-02-15
Topic: Agriculture (Fisheries & Fishing)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources