Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; Certifications Pursuant to Section 609 of Public Law 101-162

Resumen

On April 30, 1996, the Department of State certified, pursuant to Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 (``Section 609''), that 13 nations have adopted programs to reduce the incidental capture of sea turtles in shrimp fisheries comparable to the program in effect in the United States. In addition, the Department certified that the fishing environment in 23 other countries does not pose a threat of the incidental taking of sea turtles protected under Section 609. Shrimp imports from any nation not certified were prohibited effective May 1, 1996, pursuant to Section 609.