Title 16, ConservationRelease 119-110
§4017 Investigations
Title 16 › CHAPTER 60 — FISH AND SEAFOOD PROMOTION › § 4017
Summary
The Secretary can investigate when needed to carry out duties under this chapter and to find out if anyone broke its rules. To do that, the Secretary can make people swear oaths, issue subpoenas to make witnesses come, collect evidence, and demand relevant books, papers, and documents from anywhere in the United States. If someone refuses, the Secretary can ask a federal court to order them to appear, testify, or turn over records.
Full Legal Text
Title 16, §4017
Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Authority to make investigations
The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary determines necessary to—
(1)carry out the Secretary’s responsibilities under this chapter; and
(2)determine whether any person has engaged in any act or practice which constitutes a violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(b)Oaths and affirmations
For the purpose of investigations under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of such witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States.
(c)Court orders
In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena issued under this section by any person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where such person resides or has his business, to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents. Such court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the Secretary to produce records or to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
16 U.S.C. § 4017
Title 16, Conservation
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110