Bill · H.R. 531· House(119-HR-531)
South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 5/14/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Aumua Amata Radewagen
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 to update rules regarding tuna fishing operations in the Pacific. It changes definitions related to fishing areas, updates prohibited acts, and modifies civil and criminal penalties for violations. The legislation also adjusts how vessel licenses are handled and sets rules for keeping certain submitted information confidential. Additionally, it allows the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide technical assistance and training to Pacific Island Parties.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+4
The bill prohibits vessels from intentionally deploying nets to encircle dolphins or other marine mammals.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The bill strengthens the framework for cooperation and technical assistance with Pacific Island Parties.
Would farmers be better off under this?+1
The bill provides for technical assistance and training to develop resource industries.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill allows the Secretary to refuse license applications from owners undergoing bankruptcy without financial assurances.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
The bill allows the Secretary to disclose certain information for enforcement and national security purposes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Marine Life: Section 8(c) amends previous provisions to explicitly state that no licensed U.S. vessel may intentionally deploy a purse seine net to encircle any dolphin or other marine mammal while fishing. This directly protects marine mammals from harmful netting practices.
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Support and Training for Partner Nations: Section 14 updates Section 15 of the Act to allow the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building opportunities to Pacific Island Parties. This helps these nations develop their fisheries resources and operate licensed fishing vessels properly.
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Safeguarding Personal and Business Privacy: Section 11 replaces Section 12 of the Act to require the Secretary to keep certain submitted information confidential, including observer data and documents provided by individuals. This protects sensitive business and personal data from public disclosure while still allowing federal use for law enforcement and national security.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Operational Restrictions for Fishers: Section 4 amends Section 5(a) of the Act to add new prohibited acts, making it illegal to violate any regional terms and conditions or any limits placed on authorized fishing effort or catch. This could place stricter operational burdens on vessel owners and commercial fishers.
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Stricter License Denial Rules: Section 8 modifies Section 9 of the Act to give the Secretary the power to refuse to forward a license application if the owner or charterer is going through bankruptcy proceedings without reasonable financial assurances, does not have full maritime liability insurance, or has unpaid final penalties. This creates additional hurdles for vessel owners trying to secure fishing licenses.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+1Good For Business Owners-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+1
- 5/14/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 5/13/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1977-1978)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1977-1978)
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1977-1979)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 531.
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii