Western and Central Pacific Commission Area Endorsement
About
A valid Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Area Endorsement is required for any fishing vessel of the United States used for commercial fishing for highly migratory species on the high seas in the WCPFC Convention Area. The endorsement is a supplement to a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Act Permit. Both certificates must be on board a US vessel fishing in the Convention Area.
In order to obtain a WCPFC Area Endorsement, a HSFCA Permit must have already been issued or applied for by the owner of operator of the vessel in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 300, Subpart R. The owner or operator of a U.S. fishing vessel may apply for a WCPFC Area Endorsement by completing a WCPFC Area Endorsement application form, providing the required vessel photograph, and paying a non-refundable application processing fee.
A WCPFC Area Endorsement issued expires upon the expiration of the associated HSFCA Permit, and shall be void whenever the associated HSFCA Permit is void. In addition, owners or operators of any U.S. vessel used for fishing for highly migratory species in the Convention Area in areas under the jurisdiction of any nation other than the U.S. would be required to submit to NOAA Fisheries information (see Foreign EEZ form section below) about the vessel, its owner and operators, and any fishing authorizations issued by such other nations. See the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 300, Subpart O.
More Information
Additional Applications
What You Will Need
See application.