South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025
What changed between versions
Section 6 (Exceptions) is repealed entirely, removing the statutory exceptions framework that previously carved out certain activities from prohibited acts.
Section 14 (Observers) is repealed, eliminating the observer program requirements from the statute.
The definitions of 'Limited Area,' 'Party,' and 'Treaty Area' are removed from the statute, along with related cross-references throughout the bill.
Section 18 (Authorization of appropriations) is removed entirely, deleting the authorization of 'such sums as may be necessary' for carrying out the Treaty and this Act for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter.
Two new prohibited acts are added: violating any regional terms and conditions, and violating any limit on authorized fishing effort or catch.
Closed Area stowage requirements are changed from specific boom-lowering instructions to a more flexible standard: 'in accordance with any requirements established by the Secretary.'
Section 17 (Additional agreements) is changed from a requirement that the Secretary review additional fishing access agreements within 30 days to a more flexible provision allowing the Secretary to establish procedures for review.
Vessel eligibility language is changed to specify that vessels must have been documented under U.S. law as of the date of enactment of the Fisheries Act of 1995, and may fish in the Licensing Area and on the high seas west of 146 degrees west longitude and east of 129.5 degrees east longitude, with a new prohibition against intentionally deploying a purse seine net to encircle any dolphin or other marine mammal.
Section 11 (Reporting) now explicitly states that confidential information is exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5 (FOIA), and adds a new savings clause protecting Congress's authority to obtain any record or information.
The definition of 'Fishing vessel' is narrowed from 'commercial fishing' to 'commercial purse seine fishing for tuna,' limiting the scope of vessels covered by the Act.
