§7701 Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used for managing North Pacific high-seas fishing. It tells what the main terms mean so people know how the rules apply. Commission — the North Pacific Fisheries Commission created under the North Pacific Fisheries Convention. Commissioner — a U.S. Commissioner appointed under section 7702(a). Convention Area — the sea area covered by the Convention under Article 4. Council — one of three regional fishery management councils named in section 1852, used as needed. Exclusive economic zone — for the U.S., the zone set by Presidential Proclamation Numbered 5030 of March 10, 1983 (16 U.S.C. 1453 note); for other countries, a similar zone under international law. Fisheries resources — fish, shellfish, and other marine species and their products, but not sedentary species covered by coastal states’ rights (see Article 77(4) of the 1982 Convention) or indicator species of vulnerable ecosystems (Article 13(5) of the North Pacific Fisheries Convention), nor catadromous species, marine mammals, marine reptiles, seabirds, or species already managed by other international agreements. Fishing activities — searching for, catching, processing, transshipping, or any at-sea work that directly supports those actions; excludes emergency work for crew or vessel safety. Fishing vessel — any ship used to do fishing activities, including processors and support or carrier ships. High seas — does not include areas inside any country’s exclusive economic zone. North Pacific Fisheries Convention — the Convention adopted in Tokyo on February 24, 2012, including any annexes, amendments, or protocols in force for the U.S. Person — an individual, any business or organization, or any government or government entity. Secretary — means the Secretary of Commerce unless the law says otherwise. State — the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and any other U.S. commonwealth, territory, or possession. Straddling stock — a fish stock that moves between an economic exclusion zone of a party and the Convention Area. Transshipment — moving catch from one fishing vessel to another, at sea or in port. 1982 Convention — the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982.