§1381 Commercial fisheries gear development

Summary

Start a research program right away to design better fishing methods and gear so commercial fishing causes as little accidental catching or harming of marine mammals as possible. A written report on the research must be sent to Congress at the end of the full twenty-four calendar month period following October 21, 1972. Congress may provide $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and $1,000,000 for the next fiscal year, and those funds stay available until spent. After consulting the Marine Mammal Commission, the Secretary must issue rules as soon as possible for that same 24-month period, using the normal federal rulemaking steps, and must allow up to four months for affected people to comply; the rules must consider the research results. The Secretary and the Secretary of State must begin talks in the Inter‑American Tropical Tuna Commission and ask its Director of Investigations to recommend use of the new methods and gear to member nations. During the research period, authorized agents may board U.S. commercial fishing vessels on regular trips, if there is room, to do research or observe. They must try not to interfere with fishing. The Secretary must pay their lodging and upkeep. Vessel masters, operators, or owners must not block or interfere with the research or observation. Secretary — the head of the department that houses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.