Atlantic Tunas Convention Act Law and Legal Definition
The Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (“Act”) is a federal law that addresses the conservation of Atlantic tunas. This Act was enacted in 1975. The Act codifies the obligations of the U.S. in the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. The provisions of the Act are found under 16 USCS §§ 971-971i.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the U.S. Commissioners can establish species working groups to provide advice and recommendations on the conservation and management of any highly migratory species covered by the Atlantic Tunas Convention. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of State to take appropriate action on behalf of the U.S. with regard to Commission recommendations. However, the Secretary of State can take steps only in concurrence with the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, can also enter into cooperative enforcement agreements with other parties to the Convention.
Any act done in violation of the Act’s regulations is considered unlawful.
