U.S.-CANADA AGREEMENT ON FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT

Basic Instrument

Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada on Fisheries Enforcement of September 26, 1990 (House Document 102-22, 102d Congress, 1st Session).

Authorities

Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1822(a), which authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate international fisheries agreements, and 16 U.S.C. 1855(d), which authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the Magnuson Act.

Member Nations

Canada and the United States.

Meetings

Parties meet annually, alternating meetings between the United States and Canada.

Description

The Parties have agreed to take appropriate measures consistent with international law to ensure that their nationals, residents and vessels do not violate, within the waters and zones of the other Party, the national fisheries laws and regulations of the other Party. Such measures shall include prohibitions on violating the fisheries laws and regulations of the other Party respecting gear stowage, fishing without authorization, and interfering with, resisting, or obstructing in any manner, efforts to enforce such laws and regulations; and may include such other prohibitions as each Party deems appropriate.

Bilateral enforcement meetings are held to review past practices and discuss new standards, policies, and strategies for enforcement cooperation. Communications, prosecution practices, evidentiary requirements, regulation interpretation, notification procedures, and hot pursuit comprise the core of discussions.

Recent Activities

The Fifth Annual Implementation Meeting under the Agreement was held in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 16-17, 1997

The Agenda included the following topics:

  1. Opening statements
  2. Review of 1996 enforcement actions
  3. Review of case prosecutions under the Agreement
  4. Issues requiring resolution
  5. Ways to improve the effectiveness of enforcement operations
  6. Other business
  7. Closing statements

The Parties agreed to meet next year to continue to review and increase cooperation under the Agreement.

Staff Contacts

NOAA Fisheries:

Steven C. Springer, F/EN
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 427-2010

Department of State:
Stetson Tinkham
Room 5806, OES/OMC
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520-7818
Phone: (202) 647-1948
Fax: (202) 736-7350


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