Albacore Tuna

The Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges was signed in 1981. This agreement between the two governments was amended in 2002, and codified by law in April 2004. It allows U.S. vessels to fish for albacore tuna in Canadian waters seaward of 12 miles from shore, and Canadian vessels to fish for albacore in U.S. waters seaward of 12 miles from shore. The treaty also allows Canadian vessels to use certain U.S. ports to obtain supplies and services and to land fish, and it allows U.S. vessels to use certain Canadian ports for the same purposes. The treaty also calls for exchange of fisheries data between the governments of the two nations. New regulations will ensure that the U.S. can meet its obligations under the treaty, including the 2002 amendments. The regulations establish vessel marking, record keeping, and reporting requirements for U.S. albacore tuna fishing vessel operators and for Canadian albacore tuna fishing vessel operators when they are fishing in U.S. waters.

Guide for Complying with U.S.–Canada Albacore Treaty

Albacore Treaty Reporting System

Federal Register Notice on Proposed Regulations to Implement Treaty  (PDF file 34kb)

1981 Treaty

Agreement Amending Treaty with Canada Concerning Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges  (PDF file 526kb)

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Contact Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service - NW Region (206)526-6613

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