NOAA Fisheries announced that it will withdraw its Seafood Import Monitoring Program proposed rule. We will conduct a broad program review to enhance and strengthen the program’s overall impact and effectiveness. This decision stems from the extensive public feedback received during the proposed rule’s comment period and over the program’s history.
“NOAA Fisheries is committed to ensuring that the Program is a robust tool to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and help maintain the integrity of U.S. seafood imports,” said Alexa Cole, Director of the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce at Fisheries.
As part of our program review, we will engage with and seek broad input from stakeholders, including:
- Industry
- Non-governmental organizations
- Federal agencies
- Congressional representatives
- Foreign governments
“We value the insights of those directly involved in the seafood industry, environmental advocacy, and governmental oversight. This effort seeks to ensure that the Program is a meaningful and impactful tool in our comprehensive approach to ensuring the integrity of seafood imports,” said Cole…