Notice of Proposed Revisions to Guidelines for the Implementation of Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 Relating to the Protection of Sea Turtles in Shrimp Trawl Fishing Operations

Samenvatting

Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 (``Section 609'') provides that shrimp harvested with technology that may adversely affect certain species of sea turtles may not be imported into the United States. This import prohibition does not apply if the Department of State certifies to Congress that the harvesting nation has a regulatory program and an incidental take rate comparable to that of the United States, or, alternatively, that the fishing environment in the harvesting nation does not pose a threat of the incidental taking of sea turtles. In response to recommendations of the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organization, the Department of State is proposing several revisions to the guidelines issued by the Department on August 28, 1998 for use in making such certifications. In order to comply with provisions of the Uruguay Round Trade Agreements Act, 16 U.S.C. 3533, the Department of State is requesting public comment on Sections II and III of this notice. Section I provides background information. Comments should be forwarded to the Office of Marine Conservation at the address listed below no later than 30 days after publication of this notice. The August 28, 1998 guid