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Courtesy of NOAA:

On June 2, the Obama Administration submitted to Congress implementing legislation for three International Fisheries Treaties: the North Pacific Convention, South Pacific Convention and NAFO Convention Amendment, which would enable U.S. participation in two new regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) in the North and South Pacific Ocean and support a revised mandate in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization. These treaties will strengthen our ability to advance U.S. fishing interests and promote sustainable fisheries management overseas.

U.S. participation through these RFMOs will improve international fisheries governance, increase reliance on science-based management and strengthen our ability to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Our participation in these RFMOs has direct impact to U.S. interests. The United States is a coastal State for each RFMO, meaning that we have fisheries and marine habitats directly adjacent to their convention areas. Our full participation allows us an important voice in management measures that will prevent significant adverse impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems on the high seas that could impact U.S. resources.

The U.S. approach to science-based fisheries management has become a global model of success.  We are leading the way in scientific and technological advancements and in the development of innovative management strategies for sustainable fisheries. Advancing theses three new International Fisheries Treaties will help us push for international cooperation to achieve effective and responsible marine stewardship and ensure sustainable fisheries management globally.