Summary:
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Conservation Act of 2013 - Directs the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission to prepare, adopt, and submit to the Secretary of Commerce a fishery management plan providing for the conservation and management of Gulf of Mexico red snapper and specifying the requirements necessary for Gulf coastal states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) to comply with such plan.

Requires the Commission to ensure an opportunity for public participation in the preparation of the plan.

Prohibits such plan, for a three-year period, from reducing the overall quota of Gulf of Mexico red snapper apportioned to commercial fishing, except in the event of a reduction in stock in which case the quota shall be reduced to ensure a sustainable harvest. Permits an increase in quota based on stock assessments.

Directs the Secretary to determine whether the plan includes fishery management measures compatible with the national standards in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and to certify whether the plan properly conserves and manages Gulf of Mexico red snapper.

Requires each Gulf coastal state to submit to the Commission appropriate management measures to ensure compliance with the conservation objectives of the fishery management plan. Directs the Commission, upon certifying that the states have submitted sufficient measures, to certify to the Secretary to revoke federal management of Gulf of Mexico red snapper. Directs the states to manage the Gulf of Mexico red snapper in the adjacent coastal waters consistent with the fishery management plan.

Directs the Secretary, upon receiving the management measures certification from the Commission, to publish notice in the Federal Register revoking regulations and portions of the federal fishery management plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico that conflict with the plan for Gulf of Mexico red snapper, including the deletion of the species from the management unit.

Directs the Commission to determine at least annually whether state enforcement is satisfactory and to notify the Secretary of each negative determination.

Authorizes the Secretary to close the fishery within federal waters adjacent to such a state upon receiving notice of a negative determination or a report that the state has not implemented any necessary measures to end overfishing, rebuild fisheries, or provide for data collection to monitor harvests.

Directs the Secretary to report biennially to Congress on the economic impacts and benefits for the local, regional, and national economy of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery.

gulf mexico red snapper conservation act directs gulf states marine fisheries commission prepare adopt submit secretary commerce fishery management plan providing conservation management gulf_of_mexico red snapper specifying requirements necessary gulf coastal states alabama florida louisiana mississippi texas comply plan requires commission ensure opportunity public participation preparation plan prohibits plan year period reducing overall quota gulf_of_mexico red snapper apportioned commercial fishing event reduction stock case quota shall reduced ensure sustainable harvest permits increase quota based stock assessments directs secretary determine plan includes fishery management measures compatible national standards magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act certify plan properly conserves manages gulf_of_mexico red snapper requires gulf coastal state submit commission appropriate management measures ensure compliance conservation objectives fishery management plan directs commission certifying states submitted sufficient measures certify secretary revoke federal management gulf_of_mexico red snapper directs states manage gulf_of_mexico red snapper adjacent coastal waters consistent fishery management plan directs secretary receiving management measures certification commission publish notice federal_register revoking regulations portions federal fishery management plan gulf_of_mexico conflict plan gulf_of_mexico red snapper including deletion species management unit directs commission determine annually state enforcement satisfactory notify secretary negative determination authorizes secretary close fishery federal waters adjacent state receiving notice negative determination report state implemented necessary measures end overfishing rebuild fisheries provide data collection monitor harvests directs secretary report biennially congress economic impacts benefits local regional national economy gulf_of_mexico red snapper fishery


Summary:
Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific Act or the REFI Pacific Act - (Sec. 3) 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 West 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. Permits the Secretary to extend the loan under specified conditions if there is an outstanding balance after such period.

Prohibits the fee with respect to such loan from exceeding 3% of the ex-vessel value of the harvest from each fishery for which the loan is issued.

Sets forth requirements for direct loan interest rates, subloans, and the calculation of the ex-vessel landing fee to be collected for payment of such loan.

(Sec. 4) Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), within 75 days after enactment of this Act, to complete the referenda of fishery participants with respect to the terms for the refinanced loan.

revitalizing pacific act pacific act sec directs secretary commerce receipt assurances secretary considers appropriate protect interests united_states issue loan refinance existing debt obligation funding fishing capacity reduction program west_coast fishery implemented department_of_commerce_and_related_agencies_appropriations_act requires loan maturity expires years date issuance permits secretary extend loan specified conditions outstanding balance period prohibits fee respect loan exceeding vessel value harvest fishery loan issued sets forth requirements direct loan interest rates calculation vessel landing fee collected payment loan sec requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa days enactment act complete referenda fishery participants respect terms refinanced loan


Summary:
Responsible Seafood Certification and Labeling Act - Prohibits a federal executive agency: (1) in awarding a contract for the procurement, concessions, or vending of fish or seafood, from requiring or referencing a certificate of sustainability for, or otherwise identifying as sustainable, such fish or seafood based on criteria developed by a third party nongovernmental organization; or (2) from endorsing the use of any label, standard, or other scheme to certify fish or seafood as sustainable based on criteria or standards developed by a third party nongovernmental organization.

Nullifies any rule, regulation, or guideline issued by an executive agency, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that requires or recommends that fish or seafood be certified as sustainable by a third party nongovernmental organization.

responsible seafood certification labeling act prohibits federal executive agency awarding contract procurement concessions vending fish seafood requiring referencing certificate sustainability identifying sustainable fish seafood based criteria developed party nongovernmental organization use label standard scheme certify fish seafood sustainable based criteria standards developed party nongovernmental organization nullifies rule regulation guideline issued executive agency including department_of_health_and_human_services hhs requires recommends fish seafood certified sustainable party nongovernmental organization


Summary:
Fluke Fairness Act of 2013 - Directs the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to submit for approval by the Secretary of Commerce a modified fishery management plan for the commercial and recreational management of summer flounder, or an amendment to such plan, that: (1) is based on the best scientific information available; (2) reflects changes in the distribution, abundance, and location of summer flounder in establishing distribution of the commercial and recreational catch quotas; (3) considers regional, coastwide, or other management measures that comply with national standards under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; and (4) prohibits the allocation of catch quotas on a state-by-state basis using historical landings data that does not reflect the status of the summer flounder stock, based on the most recent scientific information.

Requires the Council, in preparing such modifications or amendments, to consult with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Directs the Secretary to prepare and approve a plan if the Council fails to submit such modifications or amendments.

Requires a Comptroller General (GAO) report that assesses whether the subsequent implementation of the approved plan complies with national standards.

fairness act directs mid-atlantic_fishery_management_council submit approval secretary commerce modified fishery management plan commercial recreational management summer amendment plan based best scientific information available reflects changes distribution abundance location summer establishing distribution commercial recreational catch quotas considers regional management measures comply national standards magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act prohibits allocation catch quotas state state basis historical landings data reflect status summer stock based recent scientific information requires council preparing modifications amendments consult directs secretary prepare approve plan council fails submit modifications amendments requires comptroller general gao report assesses subsequent implementation approved plan complies national standards


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

National Fish Habitat Conservation Act - (Sec. 4) Establishes the National Fish Habitat Board to: (1) promote, oversee, and coordinate the implementation of this Act and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan; (2) establish national goals and priorities for fish habitat conservation; (3) approve Fish Habitat Conservation Partnerships; and (4) review and make recommendations regarding fish habitat conservation projects.

(Sec. 5) Permits the Board to designate such Partnerships in order to: (1) coordinate the implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan at a regional level, (2) identify strategic priorities for fish habitat conservation, (3) recommend to the Board fish habitat conservation projects that address a strategic priority of the Board, and (4) develop and carry out fish habitat conservation projects.

Establishes Partnership approval criteria, including that a Partnership identify representatives to support the Partnership, identify priorities for a Partnership area, is able to address issues and priorities on a nationally significant scale, and develop or complete a strategic plan to address the decline in fish populations.

(Sec. 6) Requires each Partnership to annually submit to the Board a list of fish habitat conservation projects recommended by the Partnership for annual funding under this Act.

 Requires property acquired for a project to be open to the public for compatible fish and wildlife-dependent recreation and be closed only to protect public safety, the property, or the habitat.

 (Sec. 7) Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to establish the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program. Establishes the duties of the Program, including to: (1) provide funding for the operational needs of the Partnerships, (2) facilitate the cooperative development and approval of Partnerships, (3) facilitate the consideration of fish habitat conservation projects by the Board, (4) coordinate technical and scientific reporting, and (5) provide support to the Board for national communication and outreach efforts that promote public awareness of fish habitat conservation.

Requires the Director of USFWS to develop an interagency operational plan for the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program that describes the needs of the Program and any interagency agreements to address those needs.

(Sec. 8) Requires the Director of USFWS, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Director of the United States Geological Survey to provide scientific and technical assistance to the Partnerships, participants in fish habitat conservation projects, and the Board.

(Sec. 9) Authorizes the head of each federal agency, to the extent consistent with its mission and authority, to coordinate with the Assistant Administrator f and the Director to promote healthy fish populations and fish habitats on federal lands.

(Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to notify and cooperate with the appropriate state agency or tribal agency within the boundaries of planned activities.

(Sec. 11) Sets forth reporting requirements for the Board.

(Sec. 12) Sets forth provisions stating the effect of this Act on water rights, states, and Indian tribes.

Prohibits using funds made available to carry out this Act for fish and wildlife mitigation purposes under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (WRDA), or any federal law or court settlement.

(Sec. 14) Sets forth provisions permitting agreements and grants and the acceptance of donations to carry out this Act.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure national fish habitat conservation act sec establishes national_fish_habitat_board promote oversee coordinate implementation act national_fish_habitat_action_plan establish national goals priorities fish habitat conservation approve review recommendations fish habitat conservation projects sec permits board designate partnerships order coordinate implementation national_fish_habitat_action_plan regional level identify strategic priorities fish habitat conservation recommend board fish habitat conservation projects address strategic priority board develop carry fish habitat conservation projects approval criteria including partnership identify representatives support partnership identify priorities partnership area able address issues priorities nationally significant scale develop complete strategic plan address decline fish populations sec requires partnership annually submit board list fish habitat conservation projects recommended partnership annual funding act requires property acquired project open public compatible fish wildlife dependent recreation closed protect public safety property habitat sec requires director usfws establish establishes duties program including provide funding operational needs partnerships facilitate cooperative development approval partnerships facilitate consideration fish habitat conservation projects board coordinate technical scientific reporting provide support board national communication outreach efforts promote public awareness fish habitat conservation requires director usfws develop interagency operational plan describes needs program interagency agreements address needs sec requires director usfws assistant administrator director united_states_geological_survey provide scientific technical assistance partnerships participants fish habitat conservation projects board sec authorizes head federal agency extent consistent mission authority coordinate assistant administrator director promote healthy fish populations fish habitats federal lands sec requires secretary notify cooperate appropriate state agency tribal agency boundaries planned activities sec sets forth reporting requirements board sec sets forth provisions stating effect act water rights states indian tribes prohibits funds available carry act fish wildlife mitigation purposes federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act water_resources_development_act wrda federal law court settlement sec sets forth provisions permitting agreements grants acceptance donations carry act


Summary:
Florida Fisheries Improvement Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to revise requirements for fishery management in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic.

 Gives regional fishery management councils authority to use alternative fishery management measures in a recreational fishery.

Revises requirements for fishery management plans, especially by exempting certain species from fishery rebuilding requirements, changing how to determine the timelines for rebuilding fisheries, and repealing the requirement for plans to contain catch limits for the red snapper.

Authorizes: (1) the collection of funds from fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of marine resource law to be used for the cost of stock assessments, surveys, and data collection on fisheries; and (2) a citizen owning or leasing an eligible fishery facilities to make an agreement with the Department of Commerce to establish a capital construction fund to provide for the acquisition or reconstruction of a facility.

Requires the Department to make a decision on whether there is a commercial fishery failure because of a fishery resource disaster within 90 days of a receiving a complete estimate of the economic impact of the disaster.

Requires the Gulf Council and the South Atlantic Council to review every five years the allocation of fishing privileges. Authorizes the Councils to delay the review for three one-year periods.

Directs the Department to: (1) arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to study the process of allocating fishing privileges; (2) develop and publish a plan to conduct stock assessments for all stocks of fish for which a MSA fishery management plan is in effect, unless the assessment is not necessary; and (3) report on facilitating greater incorporation of data, analysis, stock assessments, and surveys from nongovernmental sources.

florida fisheries improvement act amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act msa revise requirements fishery management gulf_of_mexico south_atlantic gives regional fishery management councils authority use alternative fishery management measures recreational fishery revises requirements fishery management plans especially exempting certain species fishery rebuilding requirements changing determine timelines rebuilding fisheries repealing requirement plans contain catch limits red snapper authorizes collection funds fines penalties forfeitures property violations marine resource law cost stock assessments surveys data collection fisheries citizen owning leasing eligible fishery facilities agreement department_of_commerce establish capital construction fund provide acquisition reconstruction facility requires department decision commercial fishery failure fishery resource disaster days receiving complete estimate economic impact disaster requires review years allocation fishing privileges authorizes councils delay review year periods arrange national_academy_of_sciences study process allocating fishing privileges develop publish plan conduct stock assessments stocks fish msa fishery management plan effect assessment necessary report facilitating greater incorporation data analysis stock assessments surveys nongovernmental sources


Summary:
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Reauthorizes and revises the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986, the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act, the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, the Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975, and the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act through FY2021. Reauthorizes the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988. Reauthorizes the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995 through FY2020.

 Extends permanently the authority of Washington, Oregon, and California to manage any Dungeness crab fishery that does not have a fishery management plan under the MSA and is in the exclusive economic zone adjacent to the state.

 Revises the MSA, including by:

 providing for the role of tribal governments in managing fish, adding subsistence fishing to the types of fishing managed under the Act, giving regional fishery management councils the authority to use alternative fishery management measures in a recreational fishery, providing for the management of depleted fisheries, increasing civil and criminal penalties, establishing a Fisheries Enforcement Fund, and revising requirements governing fishery management plans and regional fishery management councils.

reauthorization act reauthorizes revises magnuson-stevens_fishery_conservation_and_management_act msa anadromous fish conservation act fisheries act atlantic striped bass conservation act river salmon act high seas driftnet fishing moratorium protection act fy2021 reauthorizes south pacific tuna act reauthorizes convention act fy2020 extends permanently authority washington oregon california manage dungeness crab fishery fishery management plan msa exclusive economic zone adjacent state revises msa including providing role tribal governments managing fish adding subsistence fishing types fishing managed act giving regional fishery management councils authority use alternative fishery management measures recreational fishery providing management depleted fisheries increasing civil criminal penalties establishing revising requirements governing fishery management plans regional fishery management councils


Summary: This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce from issuing a permit or in any other way authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, except in accordance with a law enacted after enactment of this Act.

bill prohibits issuing permit way authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations accordance law enacted enactment act


Summary:
Prevention of Escapement of Genetically Altered Salmon in the United States Act

This bill prohibits a person from:

 shipping, transporting, offering for sale, selling, or purchasing a genetically altered finfish, or a food product containing those fish, in commerce; having custody, control, or possession of those fish or food products with the intent to ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, or purchase them in commerce; engaging in net-pen aquaculture (pens of fish contained by nets) of those fish; releasing those fish into a natural environment; or having custody, control, or possession of those fish with the intent to release them into a natural environment. Fish, fish parts, or products confined for scientific research or collected to enforce this Act are exempted from the prohibition. An additional exemption is established if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): (1) prepares a finding of no significant impact in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 after reviewing an application requesting a federal agency to permit activity prohibited by this Act, or (2) finds the application to be consistent with an environmental impact statement that includes an environmental risk analysis and specified assessments of costs and potential economic damage.

Each federal agency must promptly notify NOAA when an action involving those fish or food products is first identified by the agency.

The Department of Commerce may enforce penalties for violations of this Act under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

prevention genetically altered salmon united_states act bill prohibits person shipping transporting offering sale selling purchasing genetically altered finfish food product containing fish commerce having custody control possession fish food products intent ship transport offer sale sell purchase commerce engaging net pen aquaculture fish contained fish releasing fish natural environment having custody control possession fish intent release natural environment fish fish parts products confined scientific research collected enforce act exempted prohibition additional exemption established national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa prepares finding significant impact accordance national_environmental_policy_act reviewing application requesting federal agency permit activity prohibited act finds application consistent environmental impact statement includes environmental risk analysis specified assessments costs potential economic damage federal agency promptly notify noaa action involving fish food products identified agency department_of_commerce enforce penalties violations act specified provisions magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act


Summary:
Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act

 (Sec. 3) This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue one-year permits to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission for the lethal taking on the waters of the Columbia River or its tributaries of sea lions that are part of a population that is not categorized as depleted or listed as an endangered or threatened species in order to protect endangered and threatened species of salmon and other nonlisted fish species. These permits may be renewed by NOAA.

The permits may authorize the lethal taking of 10 sea lions or fewer. The cumulative annual taking of sea lions each year under all such permits is limited to 1% of the annual potential biological removal level.

These permits are exempted from environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for five years.

NOAA may suspend the issuance of such permits if, after five years, lethal removal authority is no longer necessary to protect salmonid and other fish species from sea lion predation.

Permit holders exercising lethal removal authority must be trained in wildlife management.

(Sec. 4) The bill: (1) states that it is a vital priority to prevent sea lions from preying on fish, recover listed salmonid stocks, and prevent future listings of fish stocks in the Columbia River; and (2) urges the federal government to fund lethal and nonlethal removal measures for preventing such predation.

endangered salmon fisheries predation prevention act sec bill amends marine_mammal_protection_act authorize national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa issue year permits washington oregon idaho confederated tribes confederated tribes warm_springs_reservation oregon columbia river inter tribal fish commission lethal taking waters columbia_river tributaries sea lions population categorized depleted listed endangered threatened species order protect endangered threatened species salmon fish species permits renewed noaa permits authorize lethal taking sea lions fewer cumulative annual taking sea lions year permits limited annual potential biological removal level permits exempted environmental review requirements national_environmental_policy_act years noaa suspend issuance permits years lethal removal authority longer necessary protect salmonid fish species sea lion predation permit holders exercising lethal removal authority trained wildlife management sec bill states vital priority prevent sea lions fish recover listed salmonid stocks prevent future listings fish stocks columbia_river urges federal government fund lethal nonlethal removal measures preventing predation


Summary:
Red Snapper Regulatory Reform Act

This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise requirements on fishing and fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico.

The bill repeals a requirement that red snapper fishery management plans, plan amendments, or regulation submitted by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council contain catch limits.

State jurisdiction over fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico is expanded to nine nautical miles.

The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission must conduct all fishery stock assessments for fisheries managed under the Council's Reef Fish Management Plan. Stock assessments must: (1) incorporate fisheries survey information collected by universities; (2) use state, university, and private assets to conduct surveys; (3) incorporate surveys conducted on natural and artificial reefs; and (4) emphasize constituent and stakeholder participation in the development of the assessment.

The program created to improve the quality and accuracy of information generated by the Marine Recreational Fishery Statistics Survey must take into consideration all fishery effort data collection activities undertaken by the marine resources division of each relevant state of the Council.

Members of the Council are no longer appointed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

bill amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act revise requirements fishing fisheries gulf_of_mexico bill repeals requirement red snapper fishery management plans plan amendments regulation submitted gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council contain catch limits state jurisdiction fisheries gulf_of_mexico expanded nautical miles gulf states marine fisheries commission conduct fishery stock assessments fisheries managed council reef fish management plan stock assessments incorporate fisheries survey information collected universities use state university private assets conduct surveys incorporate surveys conducted natural artificial reefs emphasize constituent stakeholder participation development assessment program created improve quality accuracy information generated consideration fishery effort data collection activities undertaken marine resources division relevant state council members council longer appointed national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration


Summary:
Healthy Fisheries through Better Science Act

This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require the Department of Commerce to develop and publish a plan to conduct stock assessments for all stocks of fish for which a fishery management plan is in effect. A "stock assessment" is an evaluation of the past, present, and future status of a stock of fish, including: (1) a range of life history characteristics, including the stock's geographical boundaries, age, growth, natural mortality, sexual maturity and reproduction, feeding habits, and habitat preferences; and (2) fishing for the stock. The plan must be developed and published on the same schedule as required for the fisheries research strategic plan.

The plan must: (1) establish schedules for conducting initial stock assessments and updating previously conducted assessments, and (2) identify data and analysis that would reduce uncertainty in and improve the accuracy of future stock assessments. A stock assessment is not required for a stock of fish in the plan if Commerce determines that the assessment is not necessary and justifies the determination in the Federal Register notice.

Commerce must develop and publish in the Federal Register guidelines to incorporate data, analysis, and stock assessments from nongovernmental sources into fisheries management decisions and to establish a registry of information providers. Commerce and Regional Fishery Management Councils must use all data and analyses that meet the guidelines published as the best scientific information available in fisheries management decisions, unless otherwise determined by the science and statistical committees of the Councils.

Commerce may not collect certain fishing permit fees and North Pacific Council fisheries research plan implementation fees before identifying the costs that will be recovered by such fee.

better science act bill amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act require department_of_commerce develop publish plan conduct stock assessments stocks fish fishery management plan effect stock assessment evaluation past present future status stock fish including range life history characteristics including stock geographical boundaries age growth natural mortality sexual maturity reproduction feeding habits habitat preferences fishing stock plan developed published schedule required fisheries research strategic plan plan establish schedules conducting initial stock assessments updating previously conducted assessments identify data analysis reduce uncertainty improve accuracy future stock assessments stock assessment required stock fish plan commerce determines assessment necessary justifies determination federal_register notice commerce develop publish federal_register guidelines incorporate data analysis stock assessments nongovernmental sources fisheries management decisions establish registry information providers commerce use data analyses meet guidelines published best scientific information available fisheries management decisions determined science statistical committees councils commerce collect certain fishing permit fees fisheries research plan implementation fees identifying costs recovered fee


Summary:
Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act

This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2019 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

(Sec. 4) To distinguish between fish that are depleted due to fishing and those that are depleted for other reasons, the term "depleted" replaces the term "overfished" throughout the MSA. A depleted stock has a biomass that has declined below a level that jeopardizes the capacity of the stock or stock complex (multiple fish stocks) to produce a maximum sustainable yield on a continuing basis.

Fishery plans for depleted fisheries must specify a time period for rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable rather than as short as possible. The bill removes a requirement that plans for rebuilding depleted fisheries not exceed a 10-year time frame and replaces it with a requirement that the rebuilding time frame not exceed the time the stock would be rebuilt without fishing occurring plus one mean generation. Exceptions to this requirement are provided for cases in which:

 the biology of the stock of fish, other environmental conditions, or management measures under an international agreement in which the United States participates dictate otherwise; the cause of the stock being depleted is outside the jurisdiction of a Regional Fishery Management Council or the rebuilding program cannot be effective only by limiting fishing activities; one or more components of a mixed-stock fishery is depleted but cannot be rebuilt within that time frame without significant economic harm to the fishery, or cannot be rebuilt without causing another component of the mixed-stock fishery to approach a depleted status; recruitment, distribution, or life history of, or fishing activities for, the stock are affected by informal transboundary agreements under which management activities outside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by another country may hinder conservation and management efforts by U.S fishermen; and the stock has been affected by unusual events that make rebuilding within the specified time period improbable without significant economic harm to fishing communities. Plans for depleted fisheries must take into account environmental conditions including predator and prey relationships. Those plans also have to specify a schedule for reviewing the rebuilding targets, evaluating environmental impacts on rebuilding progress, and evaluating progress being made toward reaching rebuilding targets. Plans may use alternative rebuilding strategies, including harvest control rules and fishing mortality-rate targets.

A Council may terminate a rebuilding plan for a fishery that was initially determined to be depleted, but then found to not be depleted, within two years of the plan's effective date or within 90 days after the completion of the next stock assessment.

An emergency regulation or interim measure for fisheries which changes a rebuilding plan must remain in effect for a year instead of 180 days and may be extended for up to a year.

(Sec. 5) Councils may consider changes in an ecosystem and the economic needs of the fishing communities when setting annual catch limits (ACLs).

Councils do not have to develop an annual catch limit (ACLs) for an ecosystem component species. Those species are fish that are: (1) not targeted and are caught incidentally; (2) not subject to overfishing, approaching a depleted condition or depleted; and (3) not likely to become subject to overfishing or depleted in the absence of conservation and management measures. The Councils do not have to develop ACLs for fisheries with certain short-lived fish.

Councils may establish: (1) an ACL for a stock complex, or (2) ACLs for each year in any continuous period that is no more than three years in duration.

(Sec. 6) When issuing an annual report on the status of fisheries, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must distinguish between fisheries that are depleted as a result of fishing and fisheries that depleted as a result of factors other than fishing. The report must also state whether each depleted fishery is a target of directed fishing.

(Sec. 7) Each Council's scientific and statistical committee must develop advice provided to the Council in a transparent manner and allow for public involvement in the process.

Fishery impact statements must analyze the impacts of proposed actions in fishery management plans on the quality of the human environment. In addition to existing requirements, those impact statements must include the proposed action's purpose, the environmental impact of the proposed action, adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided, a reasonable range of alternatives, and the relationship between short-term use of the fishery resources and the enhancement of long-term productivity. A process is established for evaluating the adequacy of the statements in considering the environmental impacts of implementing the fishery management plan.

Actions taken in accordance with the fishery impact statements are deemed to fulfill the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

(Sec. 8) The New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Councils may not implement a new catch share program unless it has been approved by a majority of the permit holders eligible to participate in the fishery. A catch share is a fishery management program that allocates a specific percentage of the total allowable catch for a fishery, or a specific fishing area, to an individual, cooperative, community, processor, representative of a commercial sector, or regional fishery association.

(Sec. 9) NOAA must report annually on the amount collected from each of the fisheries managed under a limited access privilege program and community development quota program and detail how the funds were spent on a fishery-by-fishery basis. NOAA must submit the report to Congress and each of the Councils from whose fisheries the fees were collected.

 (Sec. 10) NOAA must issue regulations governing the use of electronic monitoring of fisheries. The regulations must distinguish between monitoring for data collection and research purposes and monitoring for compliance and enforcement purposes. They must include minimum criteria, objectives, or performance standards for electronic monitoring.

After the regulations are issued, Councils may incorporate electronic monitoring if it will yield data collection and compliance results that are comparable to results from on-board observers.

Councils may conduct pilot projects for the use of electronic monitoring for fisheries on a fishery-by-fishery basis.

NOAA must work with the Councils and nongovernmental entities to develop and implement the use of video survey technologies and expanded use of acoustic survey technologies.

The bill revises data confidentiality provisions, including by requiring information submitted to NOAA, a state fisheries management agency, or a Marine Fisheries Commission to be used only for the purposes of fisheries management, monitoring, and enforcement under the MSA. NOAA may not provide vessel-specific or aggregate vessel information from a fishery that is collected for monitoring and enforcement purposes to any person for the purposes of coastal and marine spatial planning under Executive Order No. 13547, unless the information is important for maintaining or enhancing national security or for ensuring fishermen continued access to fishing grounds.

NOAA may obligate amounts received as fisheries enforcement penalties for collecting information on data-poor fisheries. Each Council must identify data-poor fisheries in its region, prioritize those fisheries based on the need of each fishery for up-to-date information, and provide those priorities to NOAA.

(Sec. 11) NOAA must publish a plan for implementing the Cooperative Research and Management Program within a year. The plan must identify and describe critical regional fishery management and research needs, possible projects that may address those needs, and estimated project costs. The plan must be revised and updated every five years.

(Sec. 12) The New England Fishery Management Council and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council must each provide a voting seat on their Council for the other Council.

(Sec. 13) In conjunction with the states, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and the recreational fishing sectors, NOAA must develop and implement a real-time reporting and data collection program for the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery using available technology. NOAA must make the program a priority for funds received through the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act for that region.

In conjunction with the states, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, and the commercial, charter, and recreational fishing sectors, NOAA must develop and implement a cooperative research program for the fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions, giving priority to those fisheries that are considered data-poor. NOAA may use funds from the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act for that research program.

The Southeast Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service must develop a schedule of stock surveys and stock assessments for the Gulf of Mexico Region and the South Atlantic Region for the next five-year period and for every five-year period thereafter, giving priority to those stocks that are commercially or recreationally important.

The Southeast Science Center must ensure that fisheries information made available through fisheries programs funded under P.L. 112-141 be incorporated as soon as possible into fisheries stock assessments.

The offshore jurisdictions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are extended from three miles to nine miles for the recreational management of red snapper.

NOAA and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management must enter into a cooperative agreement for the funding of stock assessments that are necessitated by any action by the Bureau with respect to offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico that adversely impacts red snapper.

(Sec. 14) Alaska may regulate a fishing vessel operating in a fishery in the EEZ off Alaska in the absence of a federal fishery management plan.

(Sec. 15) The MSA is the controlling fishery management authority in the case of any conflict between it and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act or the Antiquities Act of 1906.

To ensure transparency and consistent management of fisheries throughout their range, any restriction on the management of fish in the EEZ that is necessary to implement a recovery plan under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 must be implemented using the authority under the MSA and in accordance with the processes and time schedules required under the MSA.

(Sec. 16) The North Pacific Council may change the pollock harvest cap under the American Fisheries Act as long as the cap does not exceed 24% percent of the pollock available to be harvested in the directed pollock fishery.

(Sec. 17) NOAA must establish partnerships with states to develop best practices for implementing state recreational fisheries programs and guidance that details best practices for administering state programs. NOAA must submit and publish biennial reports that include: (1) the estimated accuracy of federal standardized fishing vessel registration and information management systems, (2) priorities for improving recreational fishing data collection, and (3) an explanation of the use of information collected by state programs and NOAA.

NOAA must make grants to states to improve implementation of state recreational data collection programs, giving priority to grants for improving the quality and accuracy of the programs.

NOAA must enter an agreement with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study the implementation of recreational data collection programs and report on the results of the study.

(Sec. 18) The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission must conduct all fishery stock assessments used for management purposes by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for the fisheries managed under the Council's Reef Fish Management Plan. Those assessments must incorporate fisheries survey information collected by university researchers. Any of those fishery stock assessments conducted after the enactment of this Act must incorporate fishery surveys conducted, and other relevant fisheries information collected on and around natural and artificial reefs.

(Sec. 19) NOAA must: (1) publish the estimated cost of recovery from a fishery resource disaster within 30 days from the time the disaster determination is made, and (2) make a decision regarding a disaster decision request within 90 days of receiving that estimate.

(Sec. 21) Red snappers that are killed during the removal of any offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico cannot be considered in determining whether the total allowable catch for that fish has been reached.

(Sec. 22) Fish that are seized from a foreign vessel engaged in illegal fishing activities in the EEZ cannot be considered in determining the total allowable catch for that fishery.

(Sec. 23) The term "subsistence fishing" is defined for purposes of the MSA.

The governor of Alaska must consult with interests representing subsistence fishing when submitting nominations for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.

(Sec. 24) Any commercial catch share allocation in a fishery in the Gulf of Mexico may only be traded by sale or lease within the same commercial fishing sector.

(Sec. 25) If commercial fishing is made available through a fishery management plan for the EEZ in the Arctic Ocean, or an amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for Fish Resources of the Arctic Management Area, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council must set aside at least 10% of a total allowable catch as an Arctic community development quota for coastal villages located north and east of the Bering Strait.

(Sec. 26) In the hiring of individuals to collect information on marine recreational fishing, NOAA must give preference to students studying fisheries conservation and management, water resource issues, or other relevant subjects at an institution of higher education.

(Sec. 27) NOAA must enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico mixed-use fisheries to: (1) provide guidance to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council on criteria that could be used for allocating fishing privileges in the preparation of a fishery management plan, (2) identify sources of information that could reasonably support the use of such criteria in allocation decisions, and (3) develop procedures for allocation reviews and potential adjustments in allocations.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council must review the allocations of all mixed-use fisheries within their respective jurisdictions within two years and perform subsequent reviews every three years thereafter.

(Sec. 28) Limited access privilege programs to harvest fish must have a formal and detailed review five years after the implementation of the program.

(Sec. 29) NOAA must develop and publish a plan to conduct stock assessments for all stocks of fish for which a fishery management plan is in effect. The plan must be developed and published on the same schedule as required for the strategic plan for fisheries research. A stock assessment is an evaluation of the past, present, and future status of a stock of fish that includes a range of life history characteristics for such stock and fishing for the stock.

For each stock of fish for which a stock assessment has previously been conducted, the plan must: (1) establish a schedule for updating the stock assessment that is reasonable given the biology and characteristics of the stock; and (2) require completion of a new stock assessment, or an update of the most recent stock assessment, every five years or within another time period justified by NOAA. For each stock of fish for which a stock assessment has not previously been conducted, the plan must: (1) establish a schedule for conducting an initial stock assessment that is reasonable given the biology and characteristics of the stock, and (2) require completion a new or updated stock of the initial stock assessment within three years after the plan is published unless another time period is justified by NOAA in the plan. The plan must identify data and analysis that would reduce uncertainty in and improve the accuracy of future stock assessments and whether the data and analysis could be provided by fishermen, fishing communities, universities, and research institutions. A stock assessment is not required for a stock of fish in the plan if NOAA determines that the stock assessment is not necessary and justifies the determination in the Federal Register. NOAA must issue the first stock assessment plan within two years. NOAA must develop and publish within a year guidelines that will facilitate greater incorporation of data, analysis, and stock assessments from nongovernmental sources into fisheries management decisions. NOAA and the Councils must use all data and analyses that meet those guidelines as the best scientific information available in fisheries management decisions, unless otherwise determined by the science and statistical committee of the Councils. NOAA must report on the cost-effectiveness of methods to accomplish the goals of applicable programs governing monitoring and enforcement of fishing that is subject to a fishery management plan. (Sec. 31) Each Council is given the authority to use alternative fishery management measures in a recreational fishery (or the recreational component of a mixed-use fishery).

strengthening fishing communities increasing flexibility fisheries management act bill revises reauthorizes fy2019 magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act msa sec distinguish fish depleted fishing depleted reasons term depleted replaces term overfished msa depleted stock biomass declined level jeopardizes capacity stock stock complex multiple fish stocks produce maximum sustainable yield continuing basis fishery plans depleted fisheries specify time period rebuilding fishery short practicable short possible bill removes requirement plans rebuilding depleted fisheries exceed year time frame replaces requirement rebuilding time frame exceed time stock rebuilt fishing occurring plus mean generation exceptions requirement provided cases biology stock fish environmental conditions management measures international agreement united_states participates cause stock depleted outside jurisdiction regional_fishery_management_council rebuilding program effective limiting fishing activities components mixed stock fishery depleted rebuilt time frame significant economic harm fishery rebuilt causing component mixed stock fishery approach depleted status recruitment distribution life history fishing activities stock affected informal transboundary agreements management activities outside exclusive economic zone eez country hinder conservation management efforts fishermen stock affected unusual events rebuilding specified time period significant economic harm fishing communities plans depleted fisheries account environmental conditions including predator prey relationships plans specify schedule reviewing rebuilding targets evaluating environmental impacts rebuilding progress evaluating progress reaching rebuilding targets plans use alternative rebuilding strategies including harvest control rules fishing mortality rate targets council terminate rebuilding plan fishery initially determined depleted found depleted years plan effective date days completion stock assessment emergency regulation interim measure fisheries changes rebuilding plan remain effect year instead days extended year sec councils consider changes ecosystem economic needs fishing communities setting annual catch limits councils develop annual catch limit ecosystem component species species fish targeted incidentally subject overfishing approaching depleted condition depleted likely subject overfishing depleted absence conservation management measures councils develop fisheries certain short lived fish councils establish stock complex year continuous period years duration sec issuing annual report status fisheries national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa distinguish fisheries depleted result fishing fisheries depleted result factors fishing report state depleted fishery target directed fishing sec council scientific statistical committee develop advice provided council transparent manner allow public involvement process fishery impact statements analyze impacts proposed actions fishery management plans quality human environment addition existing requirements impact statements include proposed action purpose environmental impact proposed action adverse environmental effects avoided reasonable range alternatives relationship short term use fishery resources enhancement long term productivity process established evaluating adequacy statements considering environmental impacts implementing fishery management plan actions taken accordance fishery impact statements deemed fulfill requirements national_environmental_policy_act sec new mid-atlantic south_atlantic implement new catch share program approved majority permit holders eligible participate fishery catch share fishery management program allocates specific percentage total allowable catch fishery specific fishing area individual cooperative community processor representative commercial sector regional fishery association sec noaa report annually collected fisheries managed limited access privilege program community development quota program detail funds spent fishery fishery basis noaa submit report congress councils fisheries fees collected sec noaa issue regulations governing use electronic monitoring fisheries regulations distinguish monitoring data collection research purposes monitoring compliance enforcement purposes include minimum criteria objectives performance standards electronic monitoring regulations issued councils incorporate electronic monitoring yield data collection compliance results comparable results board observers councils conduct pilot projects use electronic monitoring fisheries fishery fishery basis noaa work councils nongovernmental entities develop implement use video survey technologies expanded use acoustic survey technologies bill revises data confidentiality provisions including requiring information submitted noaa state fisheries management agency purposes fisheries management monitoring enforcement msa noaa provide vessel specific aggregate vessel information fishery collected monitoring enforcement purposes person purposes coastal marine spatial planning executive order information important maintaining enhancing national security ensuring fishermen continued access fishing grounds noaa obligate amounts received fisheries enforcement penalties collecting information data poor fisheries council identify data poor fisheries region prioritize fisheries based need fishery date information provide priorities noaa sec noaa publish plan implementing year plan identify describe critical regional fishery management research needs possible projects address needs estimated project costs plan revised updated years sec new_england_fishery_management_council mid-atlantic_fishery_management_council provide voting seat council council sec conjunction states gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council recreational fishing sectors noaa develop implement real time reporting data collection program gulf_of_mexico red snapper fishery available technology noaa program priority funds received saltonstall kennedy act region conjunction states commercial charter recreational fishing sectors noaa develop implement cooperative research program fisheries gulf_of_mexico south_atlantic regions giving priority fisheries considered data poor noaa use funds saltonstall kennedy act research program national_marine_fisheries_service develop schedule stock surveys stock assessments year period year period giving priority stocks commercially important ensure fisheries information available fisheries programs funded incorporated soon possible fisheries stock assessments offshore jurisdictions louisiana mississippi alabama extended miles miles recreational management red snapper noaa bureau_of_ocean_energy_management enter cooperative agreement funding stock assessments necessitated action bureau respect offshore oil rigs gulf_of_mexico adversely impacts red snapper sec alaska regulate fishing vessel operating fishery eez alaska absence federal fishery management plan sec msa controlling fishery management authority case conflict national marine sanctuaries act antiquities act ensure transparency consistent management fisheries range restriction management fish eez necessary implement recovery plan endangered species act implemented authority msa accordance processes time schedules required msa sec change pollock harvest cap american fisheries act long cap exceed percent pollock available harvested directed pollock fishery sec noaa establish partnerships states develop best practices implementing state recreational fisheries programs guidance details best practices administering state programs noaa submit publish biennial reports include estimated accuracy federal standardized fishing vessel registration information management systems priorities improving recreational fishing data collection explanation use information collected state programs noaa noaa grants states improve implementation state recreational data collection programs giving priority grants improving quality accuracy programs noaa enter agreement national_research_council national_academy_of_sciences study implementation recreational data collection programs report results study sec gulf states marine fisheries commission conduct fishery stock assessments management purposes gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council fisheries managed council reef fish management plan assessments incorporate fisheries survey information collected university researchers fishery stock assessments conducted enactment act incorporate fishery surveys conducted relevant fisheries information collected natural artificial reefs sec noaa publish estimated cost recovery fishery resource disaster days time disaster determination decision disaster decision request days receiving estimate sec red killed removal offshore oil rig gulf_of_mexico considered determining total allowable catch fish reached sec fish seized foreign vessel engaged illegal fishing activities eez considered determining total allowable catch fishery sec term subsistence fishing defined purposes msa governor alaska consult interests representing subsistence fishing submitting nominations north_pacific_fishery_management_council sec commercial catch share allocation fishery gulf_of_mexico traded sale lease commercial fishing sector sec commercial fishing available fishery management plan eez arctic_ocean amendment north_pacific_fishery_management_council set aside total allowable catch arctic community development quota coastal villages located north east sec hiring individuals collect information marine recreational fishing noaa preference students studying fisheries conservation management water resource issues relevant subjects institution higher education sec noaa enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences study south_atlantic gulf_of_mexico mixed use fisheries provide guidance gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council criteria allocating fishing privileges preparation fishery management plan identify sources information reasonably support use criteria allocation decisions develop procedures allocation reviews potential adjustments allocations gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council review allocations mixed use fisheries respective jurisdictions years perform subsequent reviews years sec limited access privilege programs harvest fish formal detailed review years implementation program sec noaa develop publish plan conduct stock assessments stocks fish fishery management plan effect plan developed published schedule required strategic plan fisheries research stock assessment evaluation past present future status stock fish includes range life history characteristics stock fishing stock stock fish stock assessment previously conducted plan establish schedule updating stock assessment reasonable given biology characteristics stock require completion new stock assessment update recent stock assessment years time period justified noaa stock fish stock assessment previously conducted plan establish schedule conducting initial stock assessment reasonable given biology characteristics stock require completion new updated stock initial stock assessment years plan published time period justified noaa plan plan identify data analysis reduce uncertainty improve accuracy future stock assessments data analysis provided fishermen fishing communities universities research institutions stock assessment required stock fish plan noaa determines stock assessment necessary justifies determination federal_register noaa issue stock assessment plan years noaa develop publish year guidelines facilitate greater incorporation data analysis stock assessments nongovernmental sources fisheries management decisions noaa councils use data analyses meet guidelines best scientific information available fisheries management decisions determined science statistical committee councils noaa report cost effectiveness methods accomplish goals applicable programs governing monitoring enforcement fishing subject fishery management plan sec council given authority use alternative fishery management measures recreational fishery recreational component mixed use fishery


Summary:
Fishing Economy Improvement Act

This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2021 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

In managing highly migratory species that frequent the exclusive economic zone adjoining U.S. territories, the Department of Commerce must ensure participation of the territories.

If funds in the Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund are attributable to a particular U.S. territory, they must be sent to the territory instead of the Western Pacific Council.

Fishery management plans must include descriptions of subsistence or small scale traditional fishing.

The bill makes permanent the authority of Washington, Oregon, and California to adopt and enforce state laws governing fishing and processing in the exclusive economic zone adjacent to their state in any Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) fishery for which there is no fishery management plan in effect under the MSA.

The bill provides for the use of electronic monitoring of fisheries and public participation in the fishery management process by requiring certain meetings be broadcasted online.

Commerce must publish a plan within a year for implementing and conducting the cooperative research and management program.

The Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund is renamed the Zeke Grader Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund.

Commerce must: (1) implement a real-time reporting and data collection program for the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery using available technology, and (2) develop a schedule of stock surveys and stock assessments for the Gulf of Mexico Region and the South Atlantic Region for the next five years and every 5-year period thereafter.

Commerce must: (1) establish partnerships with states to develop best practices for implementing state programs that collect data on recreational fisheries, and (2) provide grants to states to improve implementation of those programs.

Commerce may make grants to support programs that address certain needs of fishing communities.

Commerce is given 90 days to determine if a fishery resource disaster exists for fisheries that originate within the Central Valley Project service area.

Commerce must enter into an agreement with the United States Digital Service for the Service to make recommendations to modernize and streamline the fishery data collection, processing, analysis, and storage systems of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

fishing economy improvement act bill revises reauthorizes fy2021 magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act msa managing highly migratory species frequent exclusive economic zone adjoining territories department_of_commerce ensure participation territories funds attributable particular territory sent territory instead fishery management plans include descriptions subsistence small scale traditional fishing bill makes permanent authority washington oregon california adopt enforce state laws governing fishing processing exclusive economic zone adjacent state dungeness crab cancer fishery fishery management plan effect msa bill provides use electronic monitoring fisheries public participation fishery management process requiring certain meetings online commerce publish plan year implementing conducting cooperative research management program renamed commerce implement real time reporting data collection program gulf_of_mexico red snapper fishery available technology develop schedule stock surveys stock assessments years year period commerce establish partnerships states develop best practices implementing state programs collect data recreational fisheries provide grants states improve implementation programs commerce grants support programs address certain needs fishing communities commerce given days determine fishery resource disaster exists fisheries originate central_valley_project service area commerce enter agreement service recommendations modernize streamline fishery data collection processing analysis storage systems national_marine_fisheries_service


Summary:
Fluke Fairness Act

This bill directs the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to submit for approval by the Department of Commerce a modified fishery management plan for the commercial and recreational management of summer flounder, or an amendment to the plan, that:

 is based on the best scientific information available; reflects changes in the distribution, abundance, and location of summer flounder in establishing distribution of the commercial and recreational catch quotas; considers regional, coastwide, or other management measures that comply with national standards under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; and prohibits the allocation of catch quotas on a state-by-state basis using historical landings data that does not reflect the status of the summer flounder stock, based on the most recent scientific information. Commerce must prepare and approve a plan if the Council fails to submit the modifications or amendments.

The Government Accountability Office must assess and report on whether the subsequent implementation of the approved plan or amendment complies with national standards.

fairness act bill directs mid-atlantic_fishery_management_council submit approval department_of_commerce modified fishery management plan commercial recreational management summer amendment plan based best scientific information available reflects changes distribution abundance location summer establishing distribution commercial recreational catch quotas considers regional management measures comply national standards magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act prohibits allocation catch quotas state state basis historical landings data reflect status summer stock based recent scientific information commerce prepare approve plan council fails submit modifications amendments government_accountability_office assess report subsequent implementation approved plan amendment complies national standards


Summary: This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to authorize the Department of Commerce to make grants to support programs that address needs of fishing communities by: (1) providing health promotion and disease prevention services, (2) providing financial planning education and other services to improve the financial stability of families and small businesses, (3) supporting positive community response to tragedies at sea, or (4) providing workforce development training.

bill amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act authorize department_of_commerce grants support programs address needs fishing communities providing health promotion disease prevention services providing financial planning education services improve financial stability families small businesses supporting positive community response sea providing workforce development training


Summary:
Striped Bass American Heritage Act

This bill designates the Atlantic striped bass (Morone saxatilis) as the national fish.

american heritage act bill designates atlantic striped bass national fish


Summary:
Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act of 2015

This bill amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to revise the program under which the Department of Commerce provides financial assistance for fisheries research and development projects. Each Regional Fishery Management Council must 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 over a five-year period; and (2) make recommendations to the council on grant applications and projects to implement those plans.

The plans must be revised and approved by the relevant council at least once every five years.

The grant program for fisheries research and development projects is replaced with a grant program to advance regional priorities included in those plans.

Commerce must carry out a national program of fisheries research and investment that supports rebuilding and maintaining healthy U.S. fish populations and promotes sustainable fisheries rather than a fisheries research and development program.

National fisheries investment program funds must be used for investing in U.S. fisheries rather than promoting the fisheries. Specified percentages of funding are allocated to the regional councils and marine fisheries commissions. The Department of Agriculture must transfer a certain amount of funds generated from duties collected on imported fish products for use only to strengthen regional fisheries management through the committees, plans, and grants.

Commerce must review the regulations and procedures used to implement title III of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and make recommendations for streamlining them.

regulatory relief act bill amends saltonstall kennedy act revise program department_of_commerce provides financial assistance fisheries research development projects 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 year period recommendations council grant applications projects implement plans plans revised approved relevant council years grant program fisheries research development projects replaced grant program advance regional priorities included plans commerce carry national program fisheries research investment supports rebuilding maintaining healthy fish populations promotes sustainable fisheries fisheries research development program national fisheries investment program funds investing fisheries promoting fisheries specified percentages funding allocated regional councils marine fisheries commissions department_of_agriculture transfer certain funds generated duties collected imported fish products use strengthen regional fisheries management committees plans grants commerce review regulations procedures implement title iii magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act recommendations streamlining


Summary:
West Coast Dungeness Crab Management Act

This bill makes permanent the authority of Washington, Oregon, and California to adopt and enforce state laws governing fishing and processing in the exclusive economic zone adjacent to their state in any Dungeness crab fishery for which there is no fishery management plan in effect under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

act bill makes permanent authority washington oregon california adopt enforce state laws governing fishing processing exclusive economic zone adjacent state dungeness crab fishery fishery management plan effect magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act


Summary:
National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act

This bill 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 (the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority). The agencies must pay the charge in accordance with a fishery mitigation plan developed and approved by the USFWS Director and the agency head.

"Mitigation fishery activities" are the rearing and stocking of native and nonnative fish to replace or maintain fishery resources or harvest levels lost as a result of a project, including project planning, population assessment and evaluation, genetic monitoring, broodstock development, and fish health sampling.

 USFWS's charges must 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, outreach and education, and hatchery product evaluations.

The bill lists the applicable mitigation fishery facilities in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

bill directs usfws impose charge conducting mitigation fishery activities connection federal water resources development projects carried water development agencies bureau_of_reclamation tennessee_valley_authority agencies pay charge accordance fishery mitigation plan developed approved usfws director agency head 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 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 outreach education hatchery product evaluations bill lists applicable mitigation fishery facilities arkansas georgia kentucky missouri montana north_dakota pennsylvania south_dakota tennessee utah west_virginia wisconsin wyoming


Summary:
Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act

This bill 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. The Council is not given authority over the fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean seaward of Rhode Island.

rhode_island_fishermen fairness act bill amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act add rhode_island mid-atlantic_fishery_management_council increase council membership members council given authority fisheries atlantic_ocean seaward rhode_island


Summary:
Gulf States Red Snapper Management Authority Act

(Sec.2)This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to direct the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)to establish a Gulf States Red Snapper Management Authority (GSRSMA) that consists of the principal fisheries manager of each of the five Gulf of Mexico coastal states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The GSRSMA must:

 establish a deadline for each Gulf coastal state to submit to the GSRSMA a fishery management plan for the long-term sustainability of Gulf of Mexico red snapper, review those plans and approve them if they meet the requirements of this bill, provide standards for each Gulf coastal state to use in developing fishery management measures to sustainably manage the Gulf of Mexico red snapper in the coastal waters adjacent to the state, and provide an opportunity for public participation before approving a plan. For three years, the NMFS must continue to manage the commercial sector of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery in coordination with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

The bill establishes a plan certification process. After the three-year period and once a plan is certified, the NMFS must transfer management of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper to the GSRSMA. Each Gulf coastal state must then implement and enforce approved plans for the fishery in the coastal waters adjacent to it.

If the Gulf of Mexico red snapper in the coastal waters adjacent to a Gulf coastal state is experiencing overfishing or is subject to a rebuilding plan, the state must certify to the GSRSMA that it has implemented the necessary measures to end overfishing or rebuild the fishery and has implemented a harvest monitoring program. A process is established for closing a red snapper fishery within the waters adjacent to the state territorial waters of the Gulf coastal state if those measures have not been implemented.

act bill amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act direct national_marine_fisheries_service establish gulf states red snapper management authority consists principal fisheries manager gulf mexico coastal states alabama florida louisiana mississippi texas establish deadline gulf coastal state submit fishery management plan long term sustainability gulf_of_mexico red snapper review plans approve meet requirements bill provide standards gulf coastal state use developing fishery management measures manage gulf_of_mexico red snapper coastal waters adjacent state provide opportunity public participation approving plan years continue manage commercial sector gulf_of_mexico red snapper fishery coordination gulf_of_mexico_fishery_management_council bill establishes plan certification process year period plan certified transfer management gulf_of_mexico red snapper gulf coastal state implement enforce approved plans fishery coastal waters adjacent gulf_of_mexico red snapper coastal waters adjacent gulf coastal state experiencing overfishing subject rebuilding plan state certify implemented necessary measures end overfishing rebuild fishery implemented harvest monitoring program process established closing red snapper fishery waters adjacent state territorial waters gulf coastal state measures implemented


Summary:
Preserving Public Access to Public Waters Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce to obtain approval from the relevant fish and wildlife management agency of a state or territory before restricting fishing access to state or territorial marine waters that are within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service or the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, including coastal waters and estuaries.

preserving public access public waters act bill directs obtain approval relevant fish wildlife management agency state territory restricting fishing access state territorial marine waters jurisdiction national_park_service including coastal waters estuaries


Summary:
Gulf Red Snapper Data Improvement Act

This bill requires the National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office to award grants for data collection that is used in stock assessments for reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico, including the red snapper. In awarding grants, the Office must seek to improve stock assessments through innovative approaches to data collection that incorporates data from peer-reviewed research involving academia, fishermen, and other fisheries sources.

The Department of Commerce must: (1) seek to improve communications by the National Marine Fisheries Service with stakeholders regarding the reef fish species stock assessment processes and outcomes of those processes, and (2) develop a process for using data collected through cooperative research activities for those stock assessments.

improvement act bill requires award grants data collection stock assessments reef fish species gulf_of_mexico including red snapper awarding grants office seek improve stock assessments innovative approaches data collection incorporates data peer reviewed research involving academia fishermen fisheries sources department_of_commerce seek improve communications national_marine_fisheries_service stakeholders reef fish species stock assessment processes outcomes processes develop process data collected cooperative research activities stock assessments


Summary:
South Atlantic Red Snapper Data Improvement Act

This bill requires the National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office to award grants for data collection that is used in stock assessments for reef fish species in the South Atlantic region, including the red snapper. In awarding grants, the Office must seek to improve stock assessments through innovative approaches to data collection that incorporates data from peer-reviewed research involving academia, fishermen, and other fisheries sources.

The Department of Commerce must: (1) seek to improve communications by the National Marine Fisheries Service with stakeholders regarding the reef fish species stock assessment processes and outcomes of those processes, and (2) develop a process for using data collected through cooperative research activities for those stock assessments.

south atlantic red snapper data improvement act bill requires award grants data collection stock assessments reef fish species south_atlantic region including red snapper awarding grants office seek improve stock assessments innovative approaches data collection incorporates data peer reviewed research involving academia fishermen fisheries sources department_of_commerce seek improve communications national_marine_fisheries_service stakeholders reef fish species stock assessment processes outcomes processes develop process data collected cooperative research activities stock assessments


Summary:
New England Fishermen Preservation Act

This bill prohibits the Department of Commerce from requiring sectors of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery to comply with the independent, third-party monitoring program, unless the program is fully funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The program monitors annual catch limits for fishing vessels in that sector. Currently, those sectors are required to develop and implement those programs, and are responsible for the program costs.

act bill prohibits department_of_commerce requiring sectors comply independent party monitoring program program fully funded national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration program monitors annual catch limits fishing vessels sector currently sectors required develop implement programs responsible program costs


Summary:
Alaskan Pollock and Golden King Crab Labeling Act

This bill declares the acceptable market name of Gadus chalcogrammus is "pollock" and the acceptable market name of Lithodes aequispinus is "golden king crab."

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the sale of pollock labeled "Alaskan pollock" or "Alaska pollock" only if the pollock was harvested in the exclusive economic zone or state waters adjacent to Alaska.

alaskan pollock golden king crab labeling act bill declares acceptable market pollock acceptable market golden king crab bill amends cosmetic act allow sale pollock labeled alaskan pollock alaska pollock pollock harvested exclusive economic zone state waters adjacent alaska


Summary:
(Sec. 1) This bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to issue a proposed rule that establishes expedited procedures relating to the export permission requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for sea urchins and sea cucumbers that are designated as food for humans or animals. The USFWS may include in the rule an exemption from export permission requirements or export licensing requirements for those species.

If an exemption will have a significant negative impact on the conservation of sea urchins or sea cucumbers, the USFWS may not provide the exemption to the requirements. In addition, the USFWS may not provide an exemption to an entity that has been convicted of a violation of a law relating to the importation, transportation, or exportation of wildlife in the five years preceding the date on which the entity applied for the exemption.

sec bill requires fish wildlife service usfws issue proposed rule establishes expedited procedures relating export permission requirements endangered species act sea sea designated food humans animals usfws include rule exemption export permission requirements export licensing requirements species exemption significant negative impact conservation sea sea usfws provide exemption requirements addition usfws provide exemption entity convicted violation law relating importation transportation exportation wildlife years preceding date entity applied exemption


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 28, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Save Our Salmon Act or the SOS Act

(Sec. 3)This bill amends the Central Valley Project Improvement Act to exclude striped bass from the project to requirereasonable efforts to ensure all anadromous fish naturally produce at twice the average levels in Central Valley rivers and streams.

Striped bass are non-native anadromous fish that prey on native salmon and steelhead and must be reduced in abundance to prevent the extinction of Central Valley salmon and steelhead.

measure amended reported house june summary version repeated save salmon act sos act sec bill amends central_valley_project_improvement_act exclude striped bass project efforts ensure anadromous fish naturally produce twice average levels rivers streams striped bass non native anadromous fish prey native salmon steelhead reduced abundance prevent extinction salmon steelhead


Summary:
Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct critical monitoring, scientific assessments, and research in support of fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin between the United States and Canada.

In support of the fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center shall: (1) execute a comprehensive, multi-lake, freshwater fisheries science program; (2) work cooperatively with regional, state, tribal, and local governments; and (3) consult with interested groups, including academia and Canadian agencies.

 To protect and improve the Great Lakes, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center may provide:

 deep-water ecosystem research, fish behavior and habitat reports, fish population assessments, invasive species research, use of biological equipment and laboratory capabilities necessary to support fishery management decisions, and studies that assess impacts on Great Lakes Fishery resources.

bill authorizes usgs conduct critical monitoring scientific assessments research support fisheries great lakes basin united_states canada support fisheries great lakes basin usgs great lakes science center shall execute comprehensive multi lake freshwater fisheries science program work cooperatively regional state tribal local governments consult interested groups including academia canadian agencies protect improve great lakes provide deep water ecosystem research fish behavior habitat reports fish population assessments invasive species research use biological equipment laboratory capabilities necessary support fishery management decisions studies assess impacts great lakes fishery resources


Summary:
Crab Emergency Disaster Assistance Act of 2016

This bill appropriates funds to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide disaster relief funds to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. These funds will assist fisherman and small businesses, including restaurants, which have suffered economic hardship due to the shutdown of the commercial Dungeness and rock crab season on the U.S. West Coast. These funds become available when the Department of Commerce makes a determination declaring a commercial fishery failure or fishery disaster for either the Dungeness crab fishery or the rock crab fishery.

Dungeness and rock crab fisheries on the West Coast may contain dangerous levels of domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms that can cause shellfish poisoning. The bill appropriates funds to NOAA for the sampling and monitoring of domoic acid found in the fisheries. In addition, NOAA must distribute grants for research on harmful algal blooms and domoic acid toxicity.

crab emergency disaster assistance act bill appropriates funds national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa provide disaster relief funds funds assist fisherman small businesses including restaurants suffered economic hardship shutdown commercial dungeness rock crab season west_coast funds available department_of_commerce makes determination declaring commercial fishery failure fishery disaster dungeness crab fishery rock crab fishery dungeness rock crab fisheries west_coast contain dangerous levels acid produced harmful algal blooms cause shellfish poisoning bill appropriates funds noaa sampling monitoring acid found fisheries addition noaa distribute grants research harmful algal blooms acid toxicity


Summary:
Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act

This bill requires the market name of genetically modified (commonly called "GMO") salmon to include "Genetically Engineered" or "GE" in front of the existing market name.

The Department of Health and Human Services must ensure that an independent scientific organization reviews and reports on the Food and Drug Administration's environmental assessment of AquAdvantage Salmon.

genetically engineered salmon labeling act bill requires market genetically modified commonly called gmo salmon include genetically engineered existing market department_of_health_and_human_services ensure independent scientific organization reviews reports food_and_drug_administration environmental assessment salmon


Summary:
American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act

This bill amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)to establish the American Fisheries Advisory Committee.

NOAA must establish five regions within the committee.The committee must consist of members chosen regionally and across all sectors of the fishing industry.Additionally, the committee must: (1)identify the needs of the fishing industry, (2)develop grant proposals to fund projects that address the industry needs, (3)review grant applications, and (4)provide NOAA with grant applicants for approval.

NOAA must not approve a grant application unless the application is selected for funding by the committee.

act bill amends saltonstall kennedy act direct national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration establish noaa establish regions committee committee consist members chosen regionally sectors fishing industry additionally committee needs fishing industry grant proposals fund projects address industry needs grant applications noaa grant applicants approval noaa approve grant application application selected funding committee


Summary:
This bill makes it unlawful to engage in the commercial harvesting of Atlantic striped bass in the coastal waters or in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The EEZ is a zone contiguous to the territorial sea, including zones contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and United States overseas territories and possessions.

Violators are subject to civil penalties and forfeitures.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission must amend its Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic striped bass to take in to account this prohibition.Similarly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must adjust the scope of its Albemarle Sound-Roanoke River Basin Striped Bass Study.

bill makes unlawful engage commercial harvesting atlantic striped bass coastal waters exclusive economic zone eez eez zone contiguous territorial sea including zones contiguous territorial sea united_states commonwealth_of_puerto_rico commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands united_states overseas territories possessions violators subject civil penalties forfeitures atlantic states marine fisheries commission amend striped bass account prohibition similarly fish wildlife service adjust scope river basin striped bass study


Summary:
Red Snapper Management Improvement Act

This bill gives Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas (Gulf coastal states) exclusive authority to manage and conserve the red snapper in both the waters of each Gulf coastal state and the exclusive economic zone in the Gulf of Mexico if each of those states agree to a fishery management plan for the stainability of the red snapper and the economic and community benefits of the Gulf coastal states.

If each of those states agrees to a fishery management plan, Department of Commerce must provide appropriate funding to them for stock assessments and data collection related to the red snapper fishery.

bill gives alabama florida louisiana mississippi texas gulf coastal states exclusive authority manage conserve red snapper waters gulf coastal state exclusive economic zone gulf_of_mexico states agree fishery management plan red snapper economic community benefits gulf coastal states states agrees fishery management plan department_of_commerce provide appropriate funding stock assessments data collection related red snapper fishery