Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act TITLE I--NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES Subtitle A--North Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation (Sec. 102) This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the North Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean. The United States must be represented by five commissioners on the North Pacific Fisheries Commission. Additionally, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of 11 members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the North Pacific Fisheries Convention. (Sec. 103) The Department of State has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the North Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission. (Sec. 104) The bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission. (Sec. 105) NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill. (Sec. 106) This bill lists 15 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the North Pacific Ocean. (Sec. 107) NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United States and abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission. (Sec. 108) The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations. (Sec. 109) Operators of commercial fishin