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International Dolphin Conservation Program Act

Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8674)

Official summary

Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Jul 14, 1997

International Dolphin Conservation Program Act - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow authorizations for the incidental taking of marine mammals during commercial purse seine yellowfin tuna fishing in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Removes provisions requiring that, for purse seine yellowfin fishing, the goal of reducing incidental kill or serious injury to insignificant levels approaching zero be satisfied by the best safety techniques and equipment economically and technologically practicable. Modifies requirements regarding export by another nation to the United States of yellowfin tuna harvested with purse seine nets in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Exempts a U.S. citizen from the Act in specified circumstances. Changes requirements regarding the issuance of general permits for the taking of marine mammals. Mandates negotiations to revise the Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission regarding: (1) provisions in the Declaration of Panama and the Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks Agreement; and (2) a revised schedule of annual contributions to the Commission. Requires discussions with countries participating (or likely to participate) in the International Dolphin Conservation Program to identify funding sources for research and other measures promoting protection of marine species and the marine ecosystem. Amends the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act regarding the circumstances in which tuna products may be labeled "Dolphin Safe," including requiring certain statements by the vessel's captain (or in certain circumstances the captain and an observer). Mandates implementing regulations, including regulations establishing a domestic tracking and verification program. Requires that the regulations: (1) ensure the confidentiality of proprietary information; and (2) address the use of weight calculation, well location, and other matters. (Sec. 5) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to declare that it is U.S. policy to support the International Dolphin Conservation Program and to ensure that the U.S. market does not act as an incentive to tuna harvesting that is not in compliance with the Program. Mandates regulations to: (1) implement the Program; and (2) authorize and govern the incidental taking of marine mammals in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, including any species designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 but not listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Mandates, in certain circumstances, emergency regulations and a call for a special meeting of the Commission. Requires undertaking or supporting scientific research to further the Program's goals. Authorizes appropriations to study and report to a specified congressional committee on the effect of chase and encirclement on the health and biology of dolphin and dolphin populations incidentally taken during purse seine yellowfin tuna fishing in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Repeals existing research program provisions. Repeals provisions relating to bans on imports from countries failing to implement a moratorium on purse seine harvesting of tuna. Replaces provisions concerning permits for taking dolphins with provisions mandating issuance of a permit to a U.S. vessel authorizing participation in the Program. Prohibits U.S. vessels from operating in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna fishery without such a permit. Authorizes permit sanctions for violations of prohibited acts provisions of the Act. Modifies the list of prohibited acts. Mandates criminal penalties for refusing to permit an authorized officer to board a vessel to search or inspect in connection with enforcement of provisions relating to a global moratorium to prohibit certain tuna harvesting practices. (Sec. 6) Amends the Tuna Conventions Act to modify the composition of the U.S. representation on the International Commission for the Scientific Investigation of Tuna and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Modifies requirements regarding a related advisory committee. Mandates the establishment of standards and measures for a bycatch reduction program for vessels fishing for yellowfin tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] · R–AK

Committees

  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
6 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8674)

  2. Senate vitiated previous passage. (consideration: CR S8674)

  3. Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 408 as an amendment. (consideration: CR S8312)

  4. Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 207.

    Senate roll call 207 · Individual votes
  5. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 207.

    Senate roll call 207 · Individual votes
  6. The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Voice Vote.

  7. Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8294-8311)

  8. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate. (consideration: CR S7934)

  9. Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to consideration presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S7934)

  10. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S7934)

  11. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 109.

  12. Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  13. Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  14. Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  15. Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-239.

  16. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

  17. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S396-397)

  18. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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