NOAA Fisheries is seeking information regarding nations whose vessels are engaged in illegal, unregulated, or unreported (IUU) fishing or engaged in bycatch of protected living marine resources (PLMRs). Such information will be reviewed for the purposes of the identification of nations pursuant to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. This act requires the U.S. to strengthen international fishery management organizations, address IUU fishing and bycatch of protected species and report those nations whose fishing vessels are engaged, or have been engaged at any point during the preceding two years, in IUU fishing to Congress. At this time, NOAA Fisheries is gathering information to identify nations whose fishing vessels are engaged in IUU fishing or fishing practices that result in bycatch of PLMRs. Information must be received by April 21, 2008 and can be submitted by mail to the NOAA Fisheries Service Office of International Affairs, Attn.: Laura Cimo, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; by E-mail to: laura.cimo@noaa.gov; or by fax to (301) 713-9106.
