NMFS Proposes Overhaul of Antarctic Fishing, Import and Export Regulations

The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to revise its rules on fishing, importation and exportation of toothfish and other Antarctic species, it said (here). The changes come on top of a December proposal to consolidate import permits under the International Fisheries Trade Permit (IFTP) and require filing of the permit data in ACE (see 1512300015). Proposed amendments include new provisions for “first receiver,” separate from the importing “dealer” that must obtain the IFTP, as well as a change in the advance notice deadline for imports of toothfish -- from 15 to 10 working days. Comments are due Aug. 22.