Summary:
Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act

TITLE I--SUPPORTING FEDERAL CASES INVOLVING ELDER JUSTICE

(Sec. 101) This bill establishes requirements for the Department of Justice (DOJ) with respect to investigating and prosecuting elder abuse crimes and enforcing elder abuse laws. Specifically, DOJ must:

 designate Elder Justice Coordinators in federal judicial districts and at DOJ, implement comprehensive training for Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, and establish a working group to provide policy advice. The Executive Office for United States Attorneys must operate a resource group for prosecutors.

The Federal Trade Commission must designate an Elder Justice Coordinator within its Bureau of Consumer Protection.

TITLE II--IMPROVED DATA COLLECTION AND FEDERAL COORDINATION

(Sec. 201) DOJ must establish best practices for data collection on elder abuse.

(Sec. 202) DOJ must collect and publish data on elder abuse cases and investigations. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide for publication data on elder abuse cases referred to adult protective services. TITLE III--ENHANCED VICTIM ASSISTANCE TO ELDER ABUSE SURVIVORS (Sec. 301) This section expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) elder abuse involves exploitation of potentially vulnerable individuals; (2) combatting elder abuse requires support for victims and prevention; and (3) the Senate supports a multipronged approach to prevent elder abuse, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators of elder abuse crimes. (Sec. 302) DOJ's Office for Victims of Crime must report to Congress on the nature, extent, and amount of funding under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 for victims of crime who are elders. TITLE IV--ROBERT MATAVA ELDER ABUSE PROSECUTION ACT OF 2016 Robert Matava Elder Abuse Prosecution Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to expand prohibited telemarketing fraud to include "telemarketing or email marketing" fraud. It expands the definition of telemarketing or email marketing to include measures to induce investment for financial profit, participation in a business opportunity, or commitment to a loan.

 A defendant convicted of telemarketing or email marketing fraud that targets or victimizes a person over age 55 is subject to an enhanced criminal penalty and mandatory forfeiture.

The bill adds health care fraud to the list of fraud offenses subject to enhanced penalties.

(Sec. 403) DOJ, in coordination with the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, must provide information, training, and technical assistance to help states and local governments investigate, prosecute, prevent, and mitigate the impact of elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

(Sec. 404) It grants congressional consent to states to enter into cooperative agreements or compacts to promote and to enforce elder abuse laws. The State Justice Institute must submit legislative proposals to Congress to facilitate such agreements and compacts.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 501) This section amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services and Elder Justice) of the Social Security Act to specify that HHS may award adult protective services demonstration grants to the highest courts of states to assess adult guardianship and conservatorship proceedings and to implement necessary changes. The highest court of a state that receives a demonstration grant must collaborate with the state's unit on aging and adult protective services agency.

(Sec. 502) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must review and report on elder justice programs and initiatives in the federal criminal justice system. The GAO must also report on the exploitation of older adults in global drug trafficking schemes and criminal enterprises, the incarceration of exploited older adults in foreign court systems, and the federal government's intervention on behalf of incarcerated older adult victims who are U.S. citizens.

(Sec. 503) DOJ must report to Congress on its outreach to state and local law enforcement agencies on the process for collaborating with the federal government to investigate and prosecute interstate and international elder financial exploitation cases.

(Sec. 504) DOJ must publish model power of attorney legislation.

(Sec. 505) DOJ must publish best practices for improving guardianship proceedings and model legislation related to guardianship proceedings.

elder abuse prevention prosecution act title supporting federal cases involving elder justice sec bill establishes requirements department_of_justice doj respect investigating prosecuting elder abuse crimes enforcing elder abuse laws specifically doj designate elder justice coordinators federal judicial districts doj implement comprehensive training federal_bureau_of_investigation agents establish working group provide policy advice executive_office united states attorneys operate resource group prosecutors federal_trade_commission designate elder justice coordinator title improved data collection federal coordination sec doj establish best practices data collection elder abuse sec doj collect publish data elder abuse cases investigations department_of_health_and_human_services hhs provide publication data elder abuse cases referred adult protective services title iii enhanced victim assistance elder abuse survivors sec section expresses sense senate elder abuse involves exploitation potentially vulnerable individuals combatting elder abuse requires support victims prevention senate supports approach prevent elder abuse protect victims prosecute perpetrators elder abuse crimes sec doj report congress nature extent funding victims crime act victims crime elders title robert elder abuse prosecution act prosecution act bill amends federal criminal code expand prohibited telemarketing fraud include telemarketing email marketing fraud expands definition telemarketing email marketing include measures induce investment financial profit participation business opportunity commitment loan defendant convicted telemarketing email marketing fraud targets person age subject enhanced criminal penalty mandatory forfeiture bill adds health care fraud list fraud offenses subject enhanced penalties sec doj coordination elder_justice_coordinating_council provide information training technical assistance help states local governments investigate prosecute prevent mitigate impact elder abuse exploitation neglect sec grants congressional consent states enter cooperative agreements compacts promote enforce elder abuse laws state_justice_institute submit legislative proposals congress facilitate agreements compacts title miscellaneous sec section amends title block grants states social security act specify hhs award adult protective services demonstration grants highest courts states assess adult guardianship conservatorship proceedings implement necessary changes highest court state receives demonstration grant collaborate state unit aging adult protective services agency sec government_accountability_office gao review report elder justice programs initiatives federal criminal justice system gao report exploitation older adults global drug trafficking schemes criminal enterprises incarceration exploited older adults foreign court systems federal government intervention behalf incarcerated older adult victims citizens sec doj report congress outreach state local law enforcement agencies process collaborating federal government investigate prosecute interstate international elder financial exploitation cases sec doj publish model power attorney legislation sec doj publish best practices improving guardianship proceedings model legislation related guardianship proceedings


Summary: Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act - Amends the Lacey Act to add specified species of black, bighead, and silver carp to the list of injurious species that are prohibited from being shipped or imported into the United States.

asian carp prevention control act amends lacey act add specified species black bighead silver carp list injurious species prohibited shipped imported united_states


Summary: Great Lakes Migratory Bird Research and Management Act - Amends the Great Lakes Fishery Act of 1956 to authorize the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to carry out activities relating to the investigation of migratory bird depredation on commercial and sport fisheries in the Great Lakes. Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits to cooperating state, Provincial, Tribal, First Nation, and U.S. and Canadian federal agencies with migratory bird management authority, and signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, to manage and take migratory birds, for the purpose of control of depredation by such birds on commercial and sport fisheries in the Great Lakes.

great lakes fishery act authorize great lakes fishery commission carry activities relating investigation migratory bird commercial sport fisheries great lakes amends migratory bird treaty act require secretary interior issue permits cooperating state provincial tribal nation canadian federal agencies migratory bird management authority signatory memorandum understanding manage migratory birds purpose control birds commercial sport fisheries great lakes


Summary: Working Waterfront Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to award a grant to a state or local government of a coastal state, a nonprofit organization, or a fishing cooperative for projects to: (1) acquire real property in a coastal state to provide access to commercial fishermen or persons in the aquaculture industry to coastal waters in working waterfront areas; or (2) make improvements to real property owned by an eligible entity in a coastal state to provide access to such persons to coastal waters in working waterfront areas.

amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act authorize secretary commerce award grant state local government coastal state nonprofit organization fishing cooperative projects acquire real property coastal state provide access commercial fishermen persons aquaculture industry coastal waters working waterfront areas improvements real property owned eligible entity coastal state provide access persons coastal waters working waterfront areas


Summary: Prohibits the commercial harvesting of Atlantic striped bass in the coastal waters or the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Imposes penalties and allows civil forfeiture of vessels for violations. Requires the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director to take actions reflecting the prohibition.

prohibits commercial harvesting atlantic striped bass coastal waters exclusive economic zone eez imposes penalties allows civil forfeiture vessels violations requires atlantic states director actions reflecting prohibition


Summary: Atlantic Blackfish Conservation Act - Prohibits the commercial harvesting of Atlantic blackfish, popularly known as tautog, in the coastal waters or the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or the sale of blackfish taken in violation of that prohibition. Imposes penalties and allows civil forfeiture of vessels for violations. Requires the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to take actions reflecting the prohibition.

atlantic conservation act prohibits commercial harvesting atlantic popularly known coastal waters exclusive economic zone eez sale taken violation prohibition imposes penalties allows civil forfeiture vessels violations requires atlantic states marine fisheries commission actions reflecting prohibition


Summary: South Pacific Tuna Fleet Act of 2007 - Declares that a fishery endorsement is not required for a United States documented purse seine tuna fishing vessel home ported in American Samoa while fishing exclusively for highly migratory species under a license issued under the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America in the treaty area or in U.S. exclusive economic zones bordering the treaty area.

declares fishery endorsement required united_states documented purse seine tuna fishing vessel home american_samoa fishing exclusively highly migratory species license issued treaty fisheries government united_states_of_america treaty area exclusive economic zones bordering treaty area


Summary: Makes it unlawful to engage, or to attempt to engage, in commercial harvesting of Atlantic menhaden for reduction purposes in Atlantic coastal waters or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Requires a related report to Congress from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

makes unlawful engage attempt engage commercial harvesting atlantic reduction purposes atlantic coastal waters exclusive economic zone eez requires related report congress atlantic states cooperation national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa


Summary: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2007 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable. (Current law requires that the time period be as short as possible.) Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

flexibility rebuilding american fisheries act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable current law requires time period short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires secretary commerce extends period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock


Summary: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2008 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (currently, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

flexibility rebuilding american fisheries act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable currently short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires consideration evaluating progress end overfishing rebuild overfished stocks factors commercial recreational fishing requires secretary commerce extends period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock


Summary: Charter and Recreational Fishing Collective Marketing Act of 2008 - Authorizes persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boat or recreational fishermen catching aquatic products to act together in associations in collectively catching, producing, and marketing such aquatic products, including implementing a vessel capacity reduction program, improving the operational and economic efficiency of a fishery, undertaking research, and improving the conservation and management of a fishery resource.

charter recreational fishing collective marketing act authorizes persons engaged fishery industry charter boat recreational fishermen catching aquatic products act associations collectively catching producing marketing aquatic products including implementing vessel capacity reduction program improving operational economic efficiency fishery undertaking research improving conservation management fishery resource


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, notwithstanding any other provision of law, from issuing any permit or in any other way authorizing any person to conduct commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

prohibits secretary interior notwithstanding provision law issuing permit way authorizing person conduct commercial finfish aquaculture operations eez


Summary: Fisheries Fuel Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow commercial fishermen a tax credit for excessive fuel costs (the excess amount paid for such fuel over an adjusted base price).

fisheries fuel tax relief act amends internal revenue code allow commercial fishermen tax credit excessive fuel costs excess paid fuel adjusted base price


Summary: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (currently, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.


Summary: New York Fair Fishing Act of 2009 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add New York State as a member of the New England Fishery Management Council.

new york fair fishing act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act add member new_england_fishery_management_council


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study of the population of the South Atlantic red snapper fishery and report to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating any interim rule under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prohibits fishing in the South Atlantic red snapper fishery before such report demonstrates the need for interim rules. Prohibits any interim rule that was promulgated before enactment of this Act from having any force or effect.

directs secretary commerce conduct study population south_atlantic red snapper fishery report congress prohibits secretary promulgating interim rule specified provisions magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act prohibits fishing south_atlantic red snapper fishery report demonstrates need interim rules prohibits interim rule promulgated enactment act having force effect


Summary: Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from implementing a closure of a fishery pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that would have a direct or indirect effect of at least $50,000 on each of more than 25 small businesses that do business related to the recreational, charter, or commercial fishing industries involved in the fishery being closed, unless the Secretary has certified that: (1) the closure is the only option available for maintaining the fishery at a sustainable level; (2) the stock assessment of the fishery has been updated and peer reviewed within the preceding three years; and (3) such assessment was developed using at least two models that were subjected to outside peer review. Requires the Secretary to review, in order to meet such requirements, any fishery closure for which notice was published within 12 months prior to the date of enactment of this Act, and to include in such review the effects of the closure on coastal communities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on fishery closures established within five years prior to the enactment of this Act.

transparency fishery closures act prohibits secretary commerce implementing closure fishery pursuant magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act direct indirect effect small businesses business related recreational charter commercial fishing industries involved fishery closed secretary certified closure option available maintaining fishery sustainable level stock assessment fishery updated peer reviewed preceding years assessment developed models subjected outside peer review requires secretary review order meet requirements fishery closure notice published months prior date enactment act include review effects closure coastal communities directs secretary report congress fishery closures established years prior enactment act


Summary: National Marine Fisheries Service Ombudsman Act of 2010 - Establishes an Office of the Ombudsman in the National Marine Fisheries Service which shall be under the direction of the Ombudsman of the National Marine Fisheries Service, who shall be appointed by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the Ombudsman to maintain a regional Ombudsman in each of the regions for which a Regional Fishery Management Council. Requires the Ombudsman to report solely to, and be under the general supervision of, the Administrator and allows the removal of the Ombudsman only by the Administrator for neglect of duty, misconduct, or inability to perform the duties of the office of the Ombudsman. Sets forth the duties of the Ombudsman, including: (1) to act as a neutral third party who conducts informal, impartial fact finding and investigations; (2) to identify points of conflict or contention (and to mitigate such points of conflict or contention) between the fishing industry and the National Marine Fisheries Service with respect to the implementation and enforcement of regulations; (3) through each regional ombudsman, to serve as a point of contact for local fishermen and businesses that are regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service; and (4) to maintain a public Internet site that includes contact information for each regional office.

national_marine_fisheries_service ombudsman act establishes office ombudsman national_marine_fisheries_service shall direction ombudsman national_marine_fisheries_service shall appointed administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa requires ombudsman maintain regional ombudsman regions regional_fishery_management_council requires ombudsman report solely general supervision administrator allows removal ombudsman administrator neglect duty misconduct inability perform duties office ombudsman sets forth duties ombudsman including act neutral party conducts informal impartial fact finding investigations identify points conflict contention mitigate points conflict contention fishing industry national_marine_fisheries_service respect implementation enforcement regulations regional ombudsman serve point contact local fishermen businesses regulated national_marine_fisheries_service maintain public internet site includes contact information regional office


Summary: Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the deposit of sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of the Act or of any other marine resource laws enforced by the Secretary of Commerce into the Treasury to be applied to reduce the annual federal budget deficit or, if there is no such deficit, to reduce outstanding federal debt.

amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require deposit sums received fines penalties forfeitures property violations act marine resource laws enforced secretary commerce treasury applied reduce annual federal budget deficit deficit reduce outstanding federal debt


Summary: Ensuring Fairness for Fishermen Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the payment of costs, fees, and expenses incurred by certain prevailing parties in proceedings under such Act from sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a process for paying attorneys' fees to defendants who are substantially prevailing parties in criminal actions brought under such Act during the period beginning on November 28, 1990, and ending on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.

ensuring fairness fishermen act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require payment costs fees expenses incurred certain prevailing parties proceedings act sums received fines penalties forfeitures directs secretary commerce establish process paying attorneys fees defendants substantially prevailing parties criminal actions brought act period beginning november ending day date enactment act


Summary: Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to permit recreational fishing for Atlantic Striped Bass in the Block Island Sound transit zone, except for seasonal or other temporary limitations on fishing that are specifically necessary for the conservation and management of Atlantic striped bass. Defines "Block Island Sound transit zone" as the area of the exclusive economic zone within Block Island Sound, north of a line connecting Montauk Light, Montauk Point, New York, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island, and west of a line connecting Point Judith Light, Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island.

amends atlantic striped bass conservation act permit recreational fishing transit zone seasonal temporary limitations fishing specifically necessary conservation management atlantic striped bass defines sound transit zone area exclusive economic zone north line connecting light new_york rhode_island west line connecting rhode_island rhode_island


Summary: McKinney National Fish Hatchery Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery in Richmond County, North Carolina, to the state of North Carolina to be used by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a component of the fish and wildlife management program of the state. Requires the state to allow the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to use such property for the propagation of any critically important aquatic resource held in public trust to address the specific restoration or recovery needs of such resource. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the Commission for any costs incurred for the use of such property.

fish hatchery conveyance act directs secretary interior convey mckinney lake national fish hatchery richmond_county north_carolina state north_carolina component fish wildlife management program state requires state allow united_states fish_and_wildlife_service usfws use property propagation critically important aquatic resource held public trust address specific restoration recovery needs resource requires secretary reimburse commission costs incurred use property


Summary: Fishery Conservation Transition Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, for certain fisheries for which a fishery management plan is in effect that contains a complete prohibition on the retention of stocks subject to overfishing within the fishery for the entire fishing season, to determine whether such prohibition is sufficient to prevent or end overfishing for the stocks, or stocks being overfished. Sets forth provisions for specified remedial and other actions to be taken by the Secretary if the prohibition contained in such a plan is insufficient to prevent or end overfishing for the stocks to which it applies. Establishes an economic assistance program to assist recreational and commercial fishery participants, fishing industries, and fishing communities significantly affected by a prohibition on the retention of stocks to end or prevent overfishing or rebuild overfished stocks. Limits the federal share of assistance provided under the program to 75% and requires the provision of state matching funds. Provides criteria for determining the existence of an overfishing situation requiring emergency action. Requires the consideration of specified fishery studies and management measures in the review of any fishery management plan, plan amendment, or regulations relating to the rebuilding of overfished fisheries. Requires the Secretary to assess current management measures for stocks in multispecies fisheries.

fishery conservation transition act directs secretary commerce certain fisheries fishery management plan effect contains complete prohibition retention stocks subject overfishing fishery entire fishing season determine prohibition sufficient prevent end overfishing stocks stocks overfished sets forth provisions specified remedial actions taken secretary prohibition contained plan insufficient prevent end overfishing stocks applies establishes economic assistance program assist recreational commercial fishery participants fishing industries fishing communities significantly affected prohibition retention stocks end prevent overfishing rebuild overfished stocks limits federal share assistance provided program requires provision state matching funds provides criteria determining existence overfishing situation requiring emergency action requires consideration specified fishery studies management measures review fishery management plan plan amendment regulations relating rebuilding overfished fisheries requires secretary assess current management measures stocks multispecies fisheries


Summary: Charter and Recreational Fishing Collective Marketing Act of 2009 - Authorizes persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boat or recreational fishermen catching aquatic products to act together in associations in collectively catching, producing, and marketing such aquatic products, including implementing a vessel capacity reduction program, improving the operational and economic efficiency of a fishery, undertaking research, and improving the conservation and management of a fishery resource.


Summary: Revises provisions concerning fishery endorsements for specified vessels that are either over 165 feet, more than 750 or 1,900 gross measured tons, or with more than 3,000 shaft power and that have a certificate of documentation issued for a fishery endorsement effective after September 25, 1997, and not placed under foreign registry after October 21, 1998, to also require for eligibility purposes that the vessel be either a rebuilt or replacement vessel under specified provisions of the American Fisheries Act relating to requirements for rebuilding and replacing vessels that are being revised by this Act and be otherwise eligible. Sets forth rules under such provisions of the American Fisheries Act relating to requirements for rebuilding and replacing vessels that are being revised by this Act concerning: (1) recommendations of the North Pacific Council for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area or the Gulf of Alaska; (2) certain catcher vessels; (3) limitations on fishery endorsements; and (4) Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries limitations. Amends the American Fisheries Act with respect to: (1) the exemption of specified vessels; and (2) fishery allowances and the removal of a catcher vessel from the directed pollock fishery.

revises provisions concerning fishery endorsements specified vessels feet gross measured tons shaft power certificate documentation issued fishery endorsement effective september placed foreign registry october require eligibility purposes vessel rebuilt replacement vessel specified provisions american fisheries act relating requirements rebuilding replacing vessels revised act eligible sets forth rules provisions american fisheries act relating requirements rebuilding replacing vessels revised act concerning recommendations bering_sea aleutian_islands_management_area gulf_of_alaska certain catcher vessels limitations fishery endorsements gulf alaska fisheries limitations amends american fisheries act respect exemption specified vessels fishery allowances removal catcher vessel directed pollock fishery


Summary: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

flexibility rebuilding american fisheries act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable current law short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires consideration evaluating progress end overfishing rebuild overfished stocks factors commercial recreational fishing requires secretary commerce extends period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock


Summary: Amends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act to consider nonfederal service individuals serving as Commissioners on the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean or advisory committee members to be federal employees only for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability. (Under current law such individuals are considered federal employees for injury compensation, ethics requirements, and criminal or civil statutes governing federal employees.) Amends the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 to: (1) reduce to two the number of individuals appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve as scientific experts on the joint technical committee; and (2) consider nonfederal service individuals serving on the the joint management committee, the scientific review group, the joint technical committee, or the advisory panel to be federal employees only for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability. (Under current law such individuals are considered federal employees for injury compensation, ethics requirements, and criminal or civil statutes governing federal employees.)

amends western implementation act consider nonfederal service individuals serving commissioners commission fish stocks western advisory committee members federal employees purposes injury compensation tort claims liability current law individuals considered federal employees injury compensation ethics requirements criminal civil statutes governing federal employees amends reduce number individuals appointed secretary commerce serve scientific experts joint technical committee consider nonfederal service individuals serving joint management committee scientific review group joint technical committee advisory panel federal employees purposes injury compensation tort claims liability current law individuals considered federal employees injury compensation ethics requirements criminal civil statutes governing federal employees


Summary: Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a benchmark stock assessment of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery and report to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating any interim rule under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prohibits fishing in the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery before such report demonstrates the need for interim or final rules. Deems any interim rule promulgated prior to enactment of this Act that decreases the number of fishing days to less than the 2009 level to have no force or effect.

gulf mexico red snapper fishery protection act directs secretary commerce conduct benchmark stock assessment gulf_of_mexico red snapper fishery report congress prohibits secretary promulgating interim rule specified provisions magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act prohibits fishing gulf_of_mexico red snapper fishery report demonstrates need interim final rules deems interim rule promulgated prior enactment act decreases number fishing days level force effect


Summary: South Atlantic Red Snapper Fishery Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a benchmark stock assessment of the South Atlantic red snapper fishery and report to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from promulgating any interim rule under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prohibits fishing in the South Atlantic red snapper fishery before such report demonstrates the need for interim or final rules. Prohibits any interim rule that was promulgated before enactment of this Act from having any force or effect.

south atlantic red snapper fishery protection act directs secretary commerce conduct benchmark stock assessment south_atlantic red snapper fishery report congress prohibits secretary promulgating interim rule specified provisions magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act prohibits fishing south_atlantic red snapper fishery report demonstrates need interim final rules prohibits interim rule promulgated enactment act having force effect


Summary: McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery in Richmond County, North Carolina, to the state of North Carolina to be used by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a component of the fish culture program of the state. Requires the state to allow the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to use such property for the propagation of any critically important aquatic resource held in public trust to address the specific restoration or recovery needs of such resource. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the Commission for any costs incurred for the use of such property.

secretary interior convey mckinney lake national fish hatchery richmond_county north_carolina state north_carolina component fish culture program state requires state allow united_states fish_and_wildlife_service usfws use property propagation critically important aquatic resource held public trust address specific restoration recovery needs resource requires secretary reimburse commission costs incurred use property


Summary: Strengthen Fisheries Management in New England Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) or Secretary of the Treasury to annually make available to the New England Fishery Management Council, for the funding of Council research (including cooperative research) and monitoring priorities, all sums received by the United States as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of any provision of this Act or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary from violations within the Council's fishery management jurisdiction.

new act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require secretary commerce secretary secretary treasury annually available new_england_fishery_management_council funding council research including cooperative research monitoring priorities sums received united_states fines penalties forfeitures property violations provision act marine resource law enforced secretary violations council fishery management jurisdiction


Summary: Maritime Lien Reform Act - Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing permits (authorizing a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing), and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such permits. Specifies that a "fishing permit" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and is not included in the whole or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel.

maritime specified federal shipping laws related maritime liability establishing maritime liens state federal fishing permits authorizing person use vessel engage fishing authorizing civil actions enforce maritime liens permits specifies fishing permit governed solely state federal law issued included appurtenance intangible vessel


Summary: American Angler Preservation Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require each scientific and statistical committee of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils to provide its respective Council with ongoing risk neutral scientific advice (current law does not specify that such advice be risk neutral) for fishery management decisions. Prohibits such a committee from recommending to increase or decrease an annual catch limit by 20% or greater unless the recommendation has been approved in a peer review process conducted exclusively by nongovernmental entities. Requires fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the rebuilding period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock. Directs the Secretary, within 60 days after receiving a request from the governor of an affected state or a fishing community, to determine whether there is a commercial fishery failure due to a fishery resource disaster resulting from certain causes. Sets forth procedures for certification of a fishery management plan (or amendment) requested by a percentage of eligible fisherman to establish a limited access privilege program to harvest in fisheries under the authority of the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Prohibits the Secretary, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), from closing a fishery that would have an affect of at least $50,000 on each of more than 25 small businesses related to the recreational, charter, or commercial fishing industries involved in the fishery being closed, unless the Secretary certifies that specified conditions have been met.

magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require scientific statistical committee provide respective council ongoing risk neutral scientific advice current law specify advice risk neutral fishery management decisions prohibits committee recommending increase decrease annual catch limit greater recommendation approved peer review process conducted exclusively nongovernmental entities requires fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable current law short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires consideration evaluating progress end overfishing rebuild overfished stocks factors commercial recreational fishing requires secretary commerce extends rebuilding period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock directs secretary days receiving request governor affected state fishing community determine commercial fishery failure fishery resource disaster resulting certain causes sets forth procedures certification fishery management plan amendment requested percentage eligible fisherman establish limited access privilege program harvest fisheries authority new_england mid-atlantic south_atlantic gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council prohibits secretary acting national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa closing fishery affect small businesses related recreational charter commercial fishing industries involved fishery closed secretary certifies specified conditions met


Summary: Fishery Science Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 to postpone from fishing year 2011 to 2014 the effective date upon which a mechanism for specifying annual catch limits and accountability measures for fisheries other than those determined by the Secretary of Commerce to be subject to overfishing must be established in fishery management plans prepared by any Regional Fishery Management Council or the Secretary, implementing regulations, or annual specifications. Makes the catch limit mechanism, for all fisheries, inapplicable to a fishery for any stock of fish: (1) for which a peer reviewed stock survey and stock assessment have not been performed during the five-year period before enactment of this Act and for which the Secretary determines overfishing is not occurring, and (2) that is an ecosystem stock. Defines "ecosystem stock" as a stock of fish determined by the Secretary to be a nontarget stock that is not overfished or likely to become overfished. Requires the Secretary, within 270 days after determining that a fishery is overfished, to perform a stock survey and stock assessment of each of the overfished stocks in the fishery and transmit the assessment to the appropriate Council.

fishery science improvement act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management reauthorization act postpone fishing year effective date mechanism specifying annual catch limits accountability measures fisheries determined secretary commerce subject overfishing established fishery management plans prepared regional_fishery_management_council secretary implementing regulations annual specifications makes catch limit mechanism fisheries inapplicable fishery stock fish peer reviewed stock survey stock assessment performed year period enactment act secretary determines overfishing occurring ecosystem stock defines ecosystem stock stock fish determined secretary stock overfished likely overfished requires secretary days determining fishery overfished perform stock survey stock assessment overfished stocks fishery transmit assessment appropriate council


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) North Cascades National Park Service Complex Fish Stocking Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize the stocking of fish in lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (the North Cascades National Park Service Complex). Authorizes the Secretary to allow stocking in not more than 42 of the 91 lakes which have historically been stocked with fish. Requires the Secretary to stock only fish that are: (1) native to the slope of the Cascade Range on which the lake to be stock is located, and (2) non-reproducing, as identified in management alternative B of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (June 2008). Instructs the Secretary to take into consideration relevant scientific information, including such plan and the information gathered under the research and monitoring program specified below, in making fish stocking decisions under this Act. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the stocking of fish with the state of Washington. Requires the Secretary to continue, and report to Congress on, a program of research and monitoring of the impacts of fish stocking on the resources of the applicable unit of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated complex fish stocking act directs secretary interior authorize stocking fish lakes authorizes secretary allow stocking lakes historically fish requires secretary stock fish native slope range lake stock located non identified management alternative june instructs secretary consideration relevant scientific information including plan information gathered research monitoring program specified making fish stocking decisions act requires secretary coordinate stocking fish state washington requires secretary continue report congress program research monitoring impacts fish stocking resources applicable unit


Summary: Asset Forfeiture Fund Reform and Distribution Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) or the Secretary of the Treasury, after September 30, 2011, to use each of the sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of any provisions of such Act, or of any other fishery resource law enforced by the Secretary, to make a payment to: (1) the state in which the violation occurred, (2) the state in which the vessel involved in the violation is homeported if the violation did not occur in a state, or (3) the state most directly affected by a violation neither occurring in a state nor involving a vessel. (Current law authorizes using such sums for certain civil and criminal enforcement costs.) Directs states to use such amounts for specified research and monitoring activities. Sets forth transitional rules authorizing the Secretary to use such amounts received before October 1, 2011, to reimburse appropriate legal fees and costs, up to $200,000 per person, to specified persons the Secretary directed to receive a remittance of at least a portion of a fisheries enforcement penalty. Prohibits the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from assigning specified rulemaking or adjudication proceedings to an individual who has served as an NOAA administrative law judge for at least a five-year period if such proceeding pertains to the same fishery management region to which the majority of such proceedings that the individual presided over within the period pertained.

asset forfeiture fund reform distribution act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require secretary commerce secretary secretary treasury september use sums received fines penalties forfeitures property violations provisions act fishery resource law enforced secretary payment state violation occurred state vessel involved violation violation occur state state directly affected violation occurring state involving vessel current law authorizes sums certain civil criminal enforcement costs directs states use amounts specified research monitoring activities sets forth transitional rules authorizing secretary use amounts received october reimburse appropriate legal fees costs person specified persons secretary directed receive remittance portion fisheries enforcement penalty prohibits administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa assigning specified rulemaking adjudication proceedings individual served noaa administrative law judge year period proceeding pertains fishery management region majority proceedings individual period


Summary: Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 - Prohibits any person from offering billfish or billfish products for sale, selling them, or having custody, control, or possession of them for purposes of offering them for sale or selling them. Treats a violation of this Act as an act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Subjects a person to a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 for each violation, with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate offense. Exempts billfish: (1) caught by U.S. fishing vessels and landed in the state of Hawaii or the Pacific Insular Areas (PIAs); or (2) landed by foreign fishing vessels in the PIAs when the foreign caught billfish is exported to non-U.S. markets or retained within Hawaii and the PIAs for local consumption. Defines "billfish" as any of the following: (1) blue marlin, (2) striped marlin, (3) black marlin, (4) sailfish, (5) shortbill spearfish, (6) white marlin, (7) roundscale spearfish, (8) Mediterranean spearfish, or (9) longbill spearfish. Excludes swordfish from such definition.

billfish conservation act prohibits person offering billfish billfish products sale selling having custody control possession purposes offering sale selling treats violation act act prohibited magnuson-stevens_fishery_conservation_and_management_act subjects person maximum civil penalty violation day continuing violation constituting separate offense exempts billfish fishing vessels landed state hawaii landed foreign fishing vessels foreign billfish exported markets retained hawaii local consumption defines billfish following blue marlin striped marlin black marlin sailfish shortbill spearfish white marlin spearfish mediterranean spearfish longbill spearfish excludes swordfish definition


Summary: Saving Fishing Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, with respect to multispecies fishing permits in the Gulf of Mexico, to remove a provision limiting the eligible signers (a group of fishermen constituting more than 50% of the permit holders, or holding more than 50% of the allocation in the fishery) of a petition to the Secretary of Commerce requesting that the relevant Regional Fishery Management Council or Councils be authorized to initiate the development of a limited access privilege program to only those participants who have substantially fished the species proposed to be included in the program. Sets forth procedures for: (1) certifying a fishery management plan (or amendment) requested by a percentage of eligible fisherman to establish a limited access privilege program to harvest in fisheries under the authority of the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; (2) terminating such a program established after enactment of this Act for a fishery under the authority of such Councils on the first date the number of eligible fishermen in the fishery in a year is at least 15% less than in the year preceding the program's establishment; and (3) collecting fees, including observer costs, pursuant to modified fee-setting requirements for such programs.

saving fishing jobs act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act respect multispecies fishing permits gulf_of_mexico remove provision limiting eligible group fishermen constituting permit holders holding allocation fishery petition secretary commerce requesting relevant regional_fishery_management_council councils authorized initiate development limited access privilege program participants substantially species proposed included program sets forth procedures certifying fishery management plan amendment requested percentage eligible fisherman establish limited access privilege program harvest fisheries authority new_england mid-atlantic south_atlantic gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council terminating program established enactment act fishery authority councils date number eligible fishermen fishery year year preceding program establishment collecting fees including observer costs pursuant modified fee setting requirements programs


Summary: Flexibility and Access in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed 10 years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial 10-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock. Directs Regional Fishery Management Councils to consider data on recreational fishermen when specifying annual catch limits in a fishery management plan. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend application of the annual catch limits to a fishery for any period that: (1) the fishery is neither overfished nor approaching such condition, (2) any stock previously affected by overfishing is rebuilt, and (3) scientific advice of the relevant Council committee is insufficient to ensure consistency with the national standard. Requires the fishery impact statement of a fishery management plan to address the impacts and possible mitigation measures for coastal businesses dependent on recreational and commercial fishing industries. Directs: (1) each Council to submit an annual impact statement to the Secretary describing whether each fishery management plan is projected to have any adverse economic impact (and the estimated dollar amount of any impact) on such recreational and commercial fishermen and coastal businesses, and (2) the Secretary to mitigate any such impacts.

flexibility access rebuilding american fisheries act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable current law short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires consideration evaluating progress end overfishing rebuild overfished stocks factors commercial recreational fishing requires secretary commerce extends period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock consider data recreational fishermen specifying annual catch limits fishery management plan authorizes secretary suspend application annual catch limits fishery period fishery overfished approaching condition stock previously affected overfishing rebuilt scientific advice relevant council committee insufficient ensure consistency national standard requires fishery impact statement fishery management plan address impacts possible mitigation measures coastal businesses dependent recreational commercial fishing industries directs council submit annual impact statement secretary describing fishery management plan projected adverse economic impact estimated dollar impact recreational commercial fishermen coastal businesses secretary mitigate impacts


Summary: Amends the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act to permit recreational fishing for Atlantic Striped Bass in the Block Island Sound transit zone, except for seasonal or other temporary limitations on fishing that are specifically necessary for the conservation and management of Atlantic striped bass. Defines "Block Island Sound transit zone" as the area of the exclusive economic zone within Block Island Sound, north of a line connecting Montauk Light, Montauk Point, New York, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island, and west of a line connecting Point Judith Light, Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Block Island Southeast Light, Block Island, Rhode Island.

amends atlantic striped bass conservation act permit recreational fishing transit zone seasonal temporary limitations fishing specifically necessary conservation management atlantic striped bass defines sound transit zone area exclusive economic zone north line connecting light new_york rhode_island west line connecting rhode_island rhode_island


Summary: Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce that Act and the Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, the North Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act of 1992, the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995, and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act. Amends several of such Acts as well as the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act, High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995, Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise violations, penalties, permit requirements, port privileges, illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing sanctions, and other enforcement authority. Authorizes additional enforcement measures relating to search or inspection of facilities or conveyances, records inspection, shipment detention, arrest, search and seizure, and service of civil or criminal process. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose certain information to state or federal agencies or internationally to ensure compliance with measures the Secretary enforces, including international fishery agreements. Authorizes: (1) the development and publication of a list of vessels engaged in IUU fishing, including vessels or owners identified by an international fishery management organization or arrangement made pursuant to an international fishery agreement; and (2) taking action against listed vessels. Requires identification and listing of nations that: (1) violate conservation and management measures required under an international fishery management agreement to which the United States is a party, or (2) fail to effectively address or regulate IUU fishing. Extends provisions applicable to nations to other entities that have competency to enter into international fishery management agreements. Authorizes international cooperation and assistance, including grants, to help other nations achieve sustainable fisheries. Antigua Convention Implementing Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to revise provisions regarding: (1) the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, (2) the General Advisory Committee, (3) the Scientific Advisory Subcommittee, (4) prohibited acts, and (5) enforcement. Repeals the Eastern Pacific Tuna Licensing Act of 1984.

illegal unreported unregulated fishing enforcement act sic amends high seas driftnet fishing moratorium protection act direct secretary commerce secretary secretary department coast_guard operating enforce act pacific salmon treaty act tuna conventions act antarctic marine living resources convention act convention act western implementation act amends acts high seas fishing compliance act northern pacific act magnuson-stevens_fishery_conservation_and_management_act revise violations penalties permit requirements port privileges illegal unreported unregulated fishing sanctions enforcement authority authorizes additional enforcement measures relating search inspection facilities conveyances records inspection shipment detention arrest search seizure service civil criminal process authorizes secretary disclose certain information state federal agencies internationally ensure compliance measures secretary enforces including international fishery agreements authorizes development publication list vessels engaged fishing including vessels owners identified international fishery management organization arrangement pursuant international fishery agreement taking action listed vessels requires identification listing nations violate conservation management measures required international fishery management agreement united_states party fail effectively address regulate fishing extends provisions applicable nations entities competency enter international fishery management agreements authorizes international cooperation assistance including grants help nations achieve sustainable fisheries sic amends tuna conventions act revise provisions prohibited acts enforcement repeals


Summary: Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and increase Council membership from 21 to 23 members, including: (1) the principal Rhode Island official with marine fishery management responsibility, and (2) a member appointed by the Secretary of Commerce from a list of individuals submitted by the governor of Rhode Island.

rhode_island_fishermen fairness act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act add rhode_island mid-atlantic_fishery_management_council increase council membership members including principal rhode_island official marine fishery management responsibility member appointed secretary commerce list individuals submitted governor rhode_island


Summary: Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to revise the program under which the Secretary of Commerce provides financial assistance for fisheries research and development projects. Directs each Regional Fishery Management Council to establish a fishery investment committee to: (1) develop a regional fishery investment plan identifying research, conservation, management needs, and actions to rebuild and maintain healthy fish populations and sustainable fisheries; and (2) make recommendations to the Council on grant applications and projects to implement the respective plans. Requires that such plans be revised, approved by the relevant Council, and submitted to the Secretary at least once every five years. Directs the Secretary to establish an annual competitive grant program to advance regional priorities included in such plans. Makes state, federal, regional, or private entities or persons eligible for such funding. Requires that preference be given to public-private partnerships. Specifies that national fisheries investment program funds be used by the Secretary for research and investment that supports rebuilding and maintaining healthy U.S. fish populations and promotes sustainable fisheries. (Currently, such funds are used for harvesting, processing, marketing, and other associated infrastructures.) Allocates funds to each Council and marine fisheries commissions. Limits to a specified percentage the funds authorized to offset receipts for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operations, research, and facilities.

regulatory relief act amends saltonstall kennedy act revise program secretary commerce provides financial assistance fisheries research development projects directs regional_fishery_management_council establish fishery investment committee develop regional fishery investment plan identifying research conservation management needs actions rebuild maintain healthy fish populations sustainable fisheries recommendations council grant applications projects implement respective plans requires plans revised approved relevant council submitted secretary years directs secretary establish annual competitive grant program advance regional priorities included plans makes state federal regional private entities persons eligible funding requires preference given public private partnerships specifies national fisheries investment program funds secretary research investment supports rebuilding maintaining healthy fish populations promotes sustainable fisheries currently funds harvesting processing marketing associated infrastructures allocates funds council marine fisheries commissions limits specified percentage funds authorized offset receipts national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa operations research facilities


Summary: New York Fair Fishing Act of 2012 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add the state of New York as a member of the New England Fishery Management Council.

new york fair fishing act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act add state new_york member new_england_fishery_management_council


Summary: National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act - Directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to impose a charge for conducting mitigation fishery activities in connection with federal water resources development projects carried out by water development agencies (Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority [TVA]). Requires such agencies to pay the charge in accordance with a fishery mitigation plan developed and approved by the USFWS Director and the agency head. Defines "mitigation fishery activities" as rearing and stocking of native and nonnative fish to replace or maintain fishery resources or harvest levels lost as a result of such a project, including project planning, population assessment and evaluation, genetic monitoring, broodstock development, and fish health sampling. Requires USFWS's charges to be reasonably related to expenditures necessary to: (1) operate, maintain, and rehabilitate certain USFWS-owned and -operated mitigation fishery facilities, hatcheries, and health centers; and (2) conduct mitigation fishery activities, including expenditures for personnel, transportation, utilities, contractual services, fish feed, supplies, equipment, routine maintenance, deferred maintenance, fish eggs, technical support, fish health, management and administration, planning, and hatchery product evaluations. Permits a water development agency, if it collects reimbursements from a power management agency for the ongoing costs of maintaining and operating a federal water resources development project, to include the costs associated with the project's fishery mitigation activities.

fish wildlife service usfws impose charge conducting mitigation fishery activities connection federal water resources development projects carried water development agencies army_corps_of_engineers bureau_of_reclamation tennessee_valley_authority tva requires agencies pay charge accordance fishery mitigation plan developed approved usfws director agency head defines mitigation fishery activities stocking native nonnative fish replace maintain fishery resources harvest levels lost result project including project planning population assessment evaluation genetic monitoring development fish health sampling requires usfws charges reasonably related expenditures necessary operate maintain rehabilitate certain usfws owned -operated mitigation fishery facilities hatcheries health centers conduct mitigation fishery activities including expenditures personnel transportation utilities contractual services fish feed supplies equipment routine maintenance deferred maintenance fish eggs technical support fish health management administration planning hatchery product evaluations permits water development agency collects reimbursements power management agency ongoing costs maintaining operating federal water resources development project include costs associated project fishery mitigation activities


Summary: Atlantic Fisheries Statutes Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2017 for the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986, and Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995. Directs the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct: (1) a survey and stock assessment, a cooperative research program, and analyses of genetic samples to determine the stock structure of Atlantic sturgeon distinct population segments along the U.S. Atlantic Coast, report the results to Congress, and use such results to inform Atlantic sturgeon biological opinion, measures, and alternatives; and (2) an analysis of striped bass feeding habits in the New York Bight and report the results to Congress and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

reauthorizes appropriations fy2017 anadromous fish conservation act atlantic striped bass conservation act fisheries act convention act directs national_marine_fisheries_service conduct survey stock assessment cooperative research program analyses genetic samples determine stock structure atlantic distinct population segments report results congress use results inform atlantic biological opinion measures alternatives analysis striped bass feeding habits new_york report results congress


Summary: Transparent and Science-Based Fishery Management Act of 2012 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to provide that a Regional Fishery Management Council is not required to develop an annual catch limit for: (1) an ecosystem component species; or (2) a species, fishery, or stock for which a survey and stock assessment have not been performed within the preceding five years. Defines "ecosystem component species" as a stock of fish that is a nontarget, incidentally harvested stock of fish in a fishery, or a nontarget, incidentally harvested stock of fish, that a Council or the Secretary of Commerce has determined is not: (1) subject to overfishing, approaching an overfished condition, or overfished; and (2) likely to become subject to overfishing or overfished in the absence of conservation and management measures. Requires each annual catch limit to take into account: (1) management measures under international agreements in which the United States participates, and (2) informal transboundary agreements under which management activities outside the exclusive economic zone by another country may hinder conservation efforts by U.S. fishermen for a species for which any of the recruitment, distribution, life history, or fishing activities are transboundary. Prohibits the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Councils, except with respect to the Gulf of Mexico commercial red snapper fishery, from submitting a fishery management plan or amendment that creates a catch share program for a fishery (and prohibits the Secretary from implementing a secretarial plan or amendment) unless the final program has been approved in a referendum by a majority of specified permit holders eligible to participate in the fishery. Requires fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed 10 years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary extends the rebuilding period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial 10-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock. Permits the Secretary to: (1) suspend annual catch limits under specified circumstances, and (2) use portions of fisheries enforcement penalties for data collection purposes. Directs the Secretary to review and report to Congress on each fishery closure under federal law for which notice was published in the Federal Register that was not a normal and expected occurrence under the fishery management plan for the fishery concerned and was considered disruptive to sport, charter, or commercial fishing operations, and that was in effect for more than 120 days within the five-year period preceding the enactment of this Act.

transparent amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act provide regional_fishery_management_council required develop annual catch limit ecosystem component species species fishery stock survey stock assessment performed preceding years defines ecosystem component species stock fish incidentally harvested stock fish fishery incidentally harvested stock fish council secretary commerce determined subject overfishing approaching overfished condition overfished likely subject overfishing overfished absence conservation management measures requires annual catch limit account management measures international agreements united_states participates informal transboundary agreements management activities outside exclusive economic zone country hinder conservation efforts fishermen species recruitment distribution life history fishing activities transboundary prohibits new_england mid-atlantic south_atlantic respect gulf_of_mexico commercial red snapper fishery submitting fishery management plan amendment creates catch share program fishery prohibits secretary implementing secretarial plan amendment final program approved referendum majority specified permit holders eligible participate fishery requires fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable current law short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires consideration evaluating progress end overfishing rebuild overfished stocks factors commercial recreational fishing requires secretary extends rebuilding period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock permits secretary suspend annual catch limits specified circumstances use portions fisheries enforcement penalties data collection purposes directs secretary review report congress fishery closure federal law notice published federal_register normal expected occurrence fishery management plan fishery concerned considered disruptive sport charter commercial fishing operations effect days year period preceding enactment act


Summary: Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific Act of 2012 or REFI Pacific Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce (upon receipt of such assurances as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States) to issue a loan to refinance the existing debt obligation funding the fishing capacity reduction program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery implemented under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003. Requires such loan to have a maturity that expires 45 years after the date of issuance. Prohibits the fee with respect to such loan from exceeding 3% of the ex-vessel value of all fish harvested from each fishery for which the loan is issued.

revitalizing pacific act pacific act directs secretary commerce receipt assurances secretary considers appropriate protect interests united_states issue loan refinance existing debt obligation funding fishing capacity reduction program implemented department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act requires loan maturity expires years date issuance prohibits fee respect loan exceeding vessel value fish harvested fishery loan issued


Summary: Fishing Impact Statement Honesty Act of 2011 or the FISH Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require a yearly update of each fishery impact statement (FIS) included with specified fishery management plans or amendments. Requires such FISs to: (1) be prepared by an objective person (prohibits U.S. government officers, employees, or entities) selected by the Comptroller General; and (2) determine if the fishery management plan or amendment is consistent with specified national standards for fishery conservation and management, including whether the relevant measures provide for the sustained participation of fishing communities and minimize adverse economic impacts on such communities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after an updated FIS is published, to prepare and begin implementing a comprehensive mitigation plan to: (1) address any identified negative economic or social impacts, and (2) correct specified inconsistencies.

fishing impact statement honesty act fish act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require yearly update fishery impact statement included specified fishery management plans amendments requires prepared objective person prohibits government officers employees entities selected comptroller_general determine fishery management plan amendment consistent specified national standards fishery conservation management including relevant measures provide sustained participation fishing communities minimize adverse economic impacts communities directs secretary commerce updated published prepare begin implementing comprehensive mitigation plan address identified negative economic social impacts correct specified inconsistencies


Summary: Repeals a provision of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act establishing an inspection and grading program for catfish and other species of farm-raised fish shellfish effective on the date of enactment of such Act..

repeals provision energy act establishing inspection grading program catfish species farm raised fish shellfish effective date enactment act


Summary: Maritime Lien Reform Act of 2011 - Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing licenses (authorizing a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing), and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such licenses. Specifies that a "fishing license" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and is not included in the whole or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel.

maritime bars specified federal shipping laws related maritime liability establishing maritime liens state federal fishing licenses authorizing person use vessel engage fishing authorizing civil actions enforce maritime liens licenses specifies fishing license governed solely state federal law issued included appurtenance intangible vessel


Summary: Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable (under current law, as short as possible). Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires consideration, in evaluating progress to end overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks, of factors other than commercial and recreational fishing. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

flexibility rebuilding american fisheries act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require fishery management plans amendments regulations overfished fisheries specify time period ending overfishing rebuilding fishery short practicable current law short possible modifies exceptions requirement period exceed years requires consideration evaluating progress end overfishing rebuild overfished stocks factors commercial recreational fishing requires secretary commerce extends period specified provisions maximum rebuilding time exceed sum initial year period expected time rebuild stock absent fishing mortality prevailing environmental conditions mean generation time stock


Summary: Asset Forfeiture Responsibility Act of 2011 - Establishes the Fisheries Investment Fund as a separate account in the general fund of the Treasury where all sums received by the United States as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) or any other marine resource law enforced by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) shall be deposited and remain available until expended. Directs that fees deposited in the Fund be used to: (1) reimburse reasonable attorneys' fees to a person that the Secretary has directed to be remitted a fisheries enforcement penalty as recommended in the report of Special Master Swartwood or a person that submitted a complaint to the Special Master prior to May 7, 2011, seeking remittance of a fisheries enforcement penalty and whom the Secretary directs to receive at least a portion of such remittance; and (2) conduct Fund audits and specified enforcement and monitoring activities under provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act amended by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, during FY2012-FY2013, to reimburse reasonable attorneys' fees to such a person. Directs a person to apply for such reimbursement within 60 days after the Secretary directs a fisheries enforcement penalty be remitted to that person. Allows the Secretary to pay from sums appropriated from the Fund for monitoring activities selected by the Regional Fishery Management Councils, including at-sea observers and shoreside monitoring, preparing fishery impact statements, and other priorities established by a Council as necessary to rebuild or maintain sustainable fisheries, ensure healthy ecosystems, and maintain fishing communities. Removes a provision allowing expenses directly related to investigations and civil or criminal enforcement proceedings, including related expenses necessary for equipment, training, travel, witnesses, and contracting services, to be paid from sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Act or any other fishery resource law enforced by the Secretary. Authorizes certain other costs and enforcement expenses to be paid from sums appropriated from the Fund.

asset forfeiture responsibility act establishes separate account general fund treasury sums received united_states fines penalties forfeitures property violations magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act marine resource law enforced secretary commerce secretary shall deposited remain available expended directs fees deposited fund reimburse reasonable attorneys fees person secretary directed remitted fisheries enforcement penalty recommended report special master person submitted complaint special master prior seeking remittance fisheries enforcement penalty secretary directs receive portion remittance conduct fund audits specified enforcement monitoring activities provisions magnuson stevens act amended act authorizes secretary fy2012 fy2013 reimburse reasonable attorneys fees person directs person apply reimbursement days secretary directs fisheries enforcement penalty remitted person allows secretary pay sums appropriated fund monitoring activities selected including sea observers monitoring preparing fishery impact statements priorities established council necessary rebuild maintain sustainable fisheries ensure healthy ecosystems maintain fishing communities removes provision allowing expenses directly related investigations civil criminal enforcement proceedings including related expenses necessary equipment training travel witnesses contracting services paid sums received fines penalties forfeitures property violations magnuson stevens act fishery resource law enforced secretary authorizes certain costs enforcement expenses paid sums appropriated fund


Summary: Saving Fishing Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, with respect to multispecies fishing permits in the Gulf of Mexico, to remove a provision limiting the eligible signers (fishermen constituting more than 50% of the permit holders, or holding more than 50% of the allocation in the fishery) of a petition to the Secretary of Commerce requesting that the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council or Councils be authorized to initiate the development of a limited access privilege program to only those participants who have substantially fished the species proposed to be included in the program. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to: (1) certify a fishery management plan (or amendment) requested by a percentage of eligible fisherman to establish a limited access privilege program to harvest in fisheries under the authority of the New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; (2) terminate such a program in effect on or established after enactment of this Act for a fishery under the authority of such Councils when, within specified periods, the number of eligible fishermen is at least 15% less than the number of such fishermen previously in the fishery; and (3) collect fees, including observer costs, pursuant to modified fee-setting requirements for such programs. Directs the appropriate Council, within a one-year period, to develop an alternative fishery management plan for any such terminated program.

saving fishing jobs act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act respect multispecies fishing permits gulf_of_mexico remove provision limiting eligible fishermen constituting permit holders holding allocation fishery petition secretary commerce requesting appropriate authorized initiate development limited access privilege program participants substantially species proposed included program sets forth procedures secretary certify fishery management plan amendment requested percentage eligible fisherman establish limited access privilege program harvest fisheries authority new_england mid-atlantic south_atlantic gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council terminate program effect established enactment act fishery authority councils specified periods number eligible fishermen number fishermen previously fishery collect fees including observer costs pursuant modified fee setting requirements programs directs appropriate council year period develop alternative fishery management plan terminated program


Summary: Fishery Science Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 to prohibit the requirement that a mechanism be established for specifying annual catch limits in fishery management plans prepared by any Regional Fishery Management Council, or by the Secretary of Commerce, implementing regulations, or annual specifications, at a level such that overfishing does not occur in the fishery, from applying to: (1) a stock of fish for which a stock assessment has not been performed during the previous six-year period, if the Secretary has determined that the fishery is not subject to overfishing of that stock and that the stock is not overfished; and (2) an ecosystem component stock. Defines "ecosystem component stock" as a stock of fish determined by the Secretary to be a nontarget stock that is not subject to overfishing or overfished. Requires that ecosystem component species as determined by the Secretary prior to enactment of this Act be determined to be such ecosystem component stocks after enactment of this Act.

fishery science improvement act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management reauthorization act prohibit requirement mechanism established specifying annual catch limits fishery management plans prepared regional_fishery_management_council secretary commerce implementing regulations annual specifications level overfishing occur fishery applying stock fish stock assessment performed previous year period secretary determined fishery subject overfishing stock stock overfished ecosystem component stock defines ecosystem component stock stock fish determined secretary stock subject overfishing overfished requires ecosystem component species determined secretary prior enactment act determined ecosystem component stocks enactment act