The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put out a request for public input regarding alterations to the Seafood Import Monitoring Program.
The new proposal would effectively increase the number of species monitored by the SIMP from approximately 1,100 to 1,672 unique species, according to a Dec. 27 news release. This new rule would also clarify regulations to facilitate implementation.
“With this proposed rule, we will strengthen the Seafood Import Monitoring Program, while continuing to implement it in a risk-based manner. SIMP is one of four seafood trade monitoring programs and one of many important tools NOAA has to prevent, track, and enforce against IUU fishing activity,” Alexa Cole, NOAA’s director of the Office of International Affairs, Trade and Commerce, said in the release. “The risk-based approach allows for efficient use of government resources for screening and implementation while minimizing industry burden and trade impact.”
Feedback will be accepted from the public and stakeholders until March 28, 2023, on this and other proposed changes that would clarify the duties of International Fisheries Trade Permit holders, electronic record keeping and the small-fisheries harvest accommodation criteria, the release reported.
