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Title 16, ConservationRelease 119-102

§1171 Seizure and Forfeiture of Vessels

Title 16 › CHAPTER 24 — CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF NORTH PACIFIC FUR SEALS › SUBCHAPTER III — ENFORCEMENT › § 1171

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

Any vessel under U.S. jurisdiction that is used to break this law can be seized and taken by the government. The boat’s gear, equipment, cargo, and supplies can also be taken. Fur seals, any parts of them taken or kept in violation, or their cash value, must be taken as well. The rules the government uses for seizing, holding, trying, selling, and disposing of ships under the customs laws also apply here, as long as those rules fit and do not conflict with this law.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §1171

Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Every vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States that is employed in any manner in connection with a violation of the provision of this chapter, including its tackle, apparel, furniture, appurtenances, cargo, and stores shall be subject to forfeiture; and all fur seals, or parts thereof, taken or retained in violation of this chapter, or the monetary value thereof, shall be forfeited.
(b)All provisions of law relating to the seizure, summary and judicial forfeiture, and condemnation of a vessel, including its tackle, apparel, furniture, appurtenances, cargo, and stores for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of such vessel, including its tackle, apparel, furniture, appurtenances, cargo, and stores or the proceeds from the sale thereof, and the remission or mitigation of such forfeitures shall apply to seizures and forfeitures incurred, or alleged to have been incurred, under the provisions of this chapter, insofar as such provisions of law are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Pub. L. 98–129 amended section generally, substituting provisions, which were contained in section 1181 of this title, relating to seizure and forfeiture of vessels for provisions prohibiting the taking of sea otters on the high seas.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 1171

Title 16, Conservation

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102