Section 206(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act sets forth Congressional findings, including inter alia that "the continued widespread use of large-scale driftnets beyond the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of any nation is a destructive fishing practice that poses a threat to living marine resources of the world's oceans." It also notes the expansion of large-scale driftnet fishing into other oceans and acknowledges the June 30, 1992, global driftnet moratorium called for by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 44/225. Finally, Section 206(b) recognizes the moratorium on the use of large-scale driftnets agreed through the Convention for the Prohibition of Fishing with Long Driftnets in the South Pacific, also known as the Wellington Convention.

Report to Congress

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)