US trade partners will need to show that killing or injuring marine mammals incidental to fishing activities, or bycatch, in their export fisheries do not exceed US standards.
“Fishing gear entanglements or accidental catch is a global threat to marine mammal populations,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries. “Establishing these bycatch criteria mark a significant step forward in the global conservation of marine mammals.”
The rule takes effect on 1 January 2017, and establishes a one-time-only, initial five-year exemption period to give nations time to assess their marine mammal stocks, and estimate and lower their bycatch.
Over time, NOAA Fisheries expects the rule to help safeguard the US seafood supply from products harvested unsustainably, without greatly limiting consumers’ seafood choices.
