Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) Proposed Rule Open for Public Comment

NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule to include additional species in its Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) and other administrative changes. SIMP is a screening and deterrent tool to identify and deter IUU fish and fish products and misrepresented seafood from entering the U.S. market. NOAA Fisheries conducted a thorough species review and found that the 13 species and species groups currently included in SIMP remain at risk and none should be removed. In addition, this review proposes to expand red snapper and tuna, currently included in SIMP, to their larger species groups. NOAA welcomes feedback on these species and other elements in the Proposed Rule to clarify the responsibilities of International Fisheries Trade Permit holders, electronic recordkeeping, and the small-fisheries harvest accommodation criteria. Additionally, NOAA welcomes other feedback from stakeholders on improving the program, such as interest in a standardized form for compliance.