How HR 3697 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to update definitions, findings, and authorization of appropriations, enhancing the flexibility for fishery management and providing clearer terms related to fish stocks and fishing practices.

• 16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(1)

  economy, → cultural well-being,

  Adds 'cultural well-being' to the findings related to fisheries.

• 16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(10)

  economic growth; → and traditional ways of life;

  Includes 'traditional ways of life' in the findings of the Act.

• 16 U.S.C. 1802(2)

  management program

  Removes 'management program' from the definition of 'bycatch'.

• 16 U.S.C. 1802(34)

  The terms `overfishing' and `overfished' mean → The term `overfishing' means

  Clarifies the terminology related to overfishing and overfished stocks.

• 16 U.S.C. 1802

  (8a) The term `depleted' means, with respect to a stock of fish or stock complex, that the stock or stock complex has a biomass that has declined below a level that jeopardizes the capacity of the stock or stock complex to produce maximum sustainable yield on a continuing basis.

  Introduces a new definition for 'depleted'.

• 16 U.S.C. 1802

  (43a)(A) The term `subsistence fishing' means fishing in which the fish harvested are intended for customary and traditional uses, including for direct personal or family consumption as food or clothing; for the making or selling of handicraft articles out of nonedible byproducts taken for personal or family consumption, for barter, or sharing for personal or family consumption; and for customary exchange or trade.

  Adds a definition for 'subsistence fishing' providing clarity on traditional fishing practices.

• 16 U.S.C. 1802

  (B) In this paragraph--(i) the term `family' means all persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or any person living within the household on a permanent basis; and (ii) the term `barter' means the exchange of a fish or fish part--(I) for another fish or fish part; or (II) for other food or for nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited and noncommercial nature.

  Defines key terms related to 'subsistence fishing' for clarity.

• 16 U.S.C. 1803

  this Act and all that follows through ``(7)'' → this Act

  Modifies appropriation authorization wording for clarity.

• 16 U.S.C. 1803

  fiscal year 2013 → each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024

  Updates the authorization of appropriations to cover fiscal years 2020 through 2024.