§5504 Responsibilities of Secretary

Summary

Keep an electronic record of high seas fishing vessels that get permits under section 5503, and include the information those vessels file under section 5503(c)(2). Working with the Secretary of State and the Department that runs the Coast Guard, share that record with the FAO, tell the FAO quickly about any changes, additions, or removals (and why something was removed), and give the FAO details about permits issued under section 5503(b)(3), such as the vessel’s identity, owner or operator, and the reasons for issuing the permit. Also report any vessel actions that weaken international conservation rules, including vessel names, sanctions, and a summary of evidence about foreign vessels. After talking with the Secretary of State and the Coast Guard department, the Secretary may write rules under section 553 of title 5 to carry out the Agreement. Those rules should be coordinated with other regulators to avoid duplicate permit or reporting steps and, when possible, match rules under the Magnuson‑Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). In consultation with the Secretary of State, publish in the Federal Register a list of international conservation and management measures the United States recognizes. If there are reasonable grounds to believe a foreign vessel violated measures, provide the flag nation with evidence and, if the vessel is voluntarily in a U.S. port, notify that nation and, if asked, help arrange lawful investigations.