§5502 Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used in the chapter. Agreement — the international Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, adopted by the FAO on November 24, 1993. FAO — the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. High seas — waters beyond a country’s territorial sea or exclusive economic zone (or equivalent), as the United States recognizes them. High seas fishing vessel — a U.S. vessel or one under U.S. jurisdiction used or meant to be used on the high seas to commercially take living marine resources, including harvesting vessels, mother ships, or direct support vessels. International conservation and management measures — rules to conserve or manage marine species adopted under international law (as reflected in the 1982 U.N. Law of the Sea) and recognized by the U.S.; they can come from global, regional, or sub‑regional fishery organizations, treaties, or other agreements. Length — for vessels built after July 18, 1982, 96% of the total length on a waterline at 85% of the least molded depth measured from the top of the keel, or the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on that waterline if greater (with a parallel designed waterline for raked keels); for vessels built before July 18, 1982, the registered length on the vessel’s documentation. Person — any individual, company, organization, or any government or part of a government. Secretary — the Secretary of Commerce. Vessel of the United States — a vessel documented under 46 U.S.C. chapter 121 or numbered under chapter 123; or one owned in whole or part by the U.S., a U.S. territory, a State or subdivision, a U.S. citizen or national, or a U.S. corporation (unless it has been given foreign nationality under article 92 of the 1982 U.N. Law of the Sea and that nationality or registry is claimed by the master at the time of U.S. enforcement); and a vessel that was once U.S. documented and was, in violation of U.S. law, sold to a non‑U.S. person or placed under foreign registry or flag. Vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and vessel without nationality — have the meanings given in 46 U.S.C. 70502(c) and (d).