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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 1412. International Dolphin Conservation Program
The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary, shall
seek to secure a binding international agreement to establish an
International Dolphin Conservation Program that requires -
(1) that the total annual dolphin mortality in the purse seine
fishery for yellowfin tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
shall not exceed 5,000 animals with a commitment and objective to
progressively reduce dolphin mortality to a level approaching
zero through the setting of annual limits;
(2) the establishment of a per-stock per-year dolphin mortality
limit, to be in effect through calendar year 2000, at a level
between 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent of the minimum population
estimate, as calculated, revised, or approved by the Secretary;
(3) the establishment of a per-stock per-year dolphin mortality
limit, beginning with the calendar year 2001, at a level less
than or equal to 0.1 percent of the minimum population estimate
as calculated, revised, or approved by the Secretary;
(4) that if a dolphin mortality limit is exceeded under -
(A) paragraph (1), all sets on dolphins shall cease for the
applicable fishing year; and
(B) paragraph (2) or (3), all sets on the stocks covered
under paragraph (2) or (3) and any mixed schools that contain
any of those stocks shall cease for the applicable fishing
year;
(5) a scientific review and assessment to be conducted in
calendar year 1998 to -
(A) assess progress in meeting the objectives set for
calendar year 2000 under paragraph (2); and
(B) as appropriate, consider recommendations for meeting
these objectives;
(6) a scientific review and assessment to be conducted in
calendar year 2000 -
(A) to review the stocks covered under paragraph (3); and
(B) as appropriate to consider recommendations to further the
objectives set under that paragraph;
(7) the establishment of a per vessel maximum annual dolphin
mortality limit consistent with the established per-year
mortality limits, as determined under paragraphs (1) through (3);
and
(8) the provision of a system of incentives to vessel captains
to continue to reduce dolphin mortality, with the goal of
eliminating dolphin mortality.
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