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South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025

5/17/2025, 4:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 531

Bill 119 HR 531, also known as the South Pacific Tuna Act Amendments of 2021, aims to make changes to the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988. The bill seeks to address various issues related to the management and conservation of tuna resources in the South Pacific Ocean.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a new advisory committee to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce on matters related to the conservation and management of tuna resources in the region. This committee will be composed of representatives from the fishing industry, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve data collection and reporting requirements for tuna fisheries in the South Pacific. This includes the implementation of electronic monitoring systems on fishing vessels to ensure compliance with conservation measures and to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities. Furthermore, the bill aims to enhance international cooperation and coordination on tuna conservation efforts in the South Pacific. This includes working with other countries in the region to develop and implement sustainable management practices for tuna fisheries. Overall, Bill 119 HR 531 seeks to strengthen the conservation and management of tuna resources in the South Pacific Ocean through improved data collection, enhanced international cooperation, and the establishment of a new advisory committee. These measures are intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna fisheries in the region while also supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on these resources.

Congressional Summary of HR 531

South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025

This bill revises federal requirements for U.S. commercial fishing vessels operating in the South Pacific. The changes reflect amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty that were agreed to at Nadi, Fiji, on December 3, 2016. The treaty details mutual obligations of the United States and 16 Pacific Island countries when U.S. fishing vessels operate in the region. 

Current Status of Bill HR 531

Bill HR 531 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since May 14, 2025. Bill HR 531 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 16, 2025.  Bill HR 531's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of May 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 531

Total Number of Sponsors
7
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
7
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 531

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- Australia
- Civil actions and liability
- Fiji
- Fishes
- International law and treaties
- Kiribati
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Licensing and registrations
- Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Pacific Ocean
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- User charges and fees
- Vanuatu

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 531

To amend the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, and for other purposes.
To amend the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, and for other purposes.

Comments

Mustafa Joyce profile image

Mustafa Joyce

419

10 months ago

I can't believe this bill is gonna mess with my tuna fishing in the Pacific. It's like they don't even care about us hardworking folks just trying to make a living. This is gonna be a real pain in the butt for me and my buddies out on the water. They need to leave us alone and let us do our thing!