NOAA Fisheries has announced a public comment period, opening Monday August 3, on a draft set of principles for determining species at-risk of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity and seafood fraud, and a draft list of at-risk species generated by applying these principles. These draft lists were developed with input from the public on the initial request for comment this past May. The announcement is a key step for implementing Recommendations 14 and 15 of the Action Plan on Combating IUU Fishing and Seafood Fraud, and the establishment of a risk-based seafood traceability program. Although the comment period does not open until August 3, NOAA has already posted a copy of the Federal Register Notice on-line.

In addition to providing public comment through the Federal Register process, a public webinar has been scheduled for August 25, 3:30pm to 5:00pm Eastern. All details will be posted on-line.