105 Pub. L. 277 Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 1999

The following is a summary of relevant provisions from this year's appropriations bill, numbering over 2,200 pages, focusing on sections which condition appropriations and create or amend other acts.
 

Division A - Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations

§ 123 Commercial Fishing in Glacier Bay National Park

Calls for development of a management plan for the regulation of commercial fisheries in the marine waters within Glacier Bay National Park including permit system, gear, date, and species restrictions.
 

§ 130 Fisheries Finance Program Account

Provides for loans under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 provided that none of the funds may be used for loans for any new fishing vessel that will increase the harvesting capacity in any United States fishery.
 

§ 150 Duck Hunting Season

Extends duck hunting season in Mississippi and, in other states, at the request of a state represented on the Lower Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council.
 

§ 411 Commission on Ocean Policy

Provides funds for the Commission on Ocean Policy, if and when created.
 

§ 573 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Limits spending for activities related to the Kyoto Protocol.
 

§ 612 NOAA Fleet Replacement and Modernization Program

Withholds funds for the NOAA Fleet Replacement and Modernization Program so that NOAA may develop a modernization plan for its research vessels and opportunities for contracting for fisheries surveys
 

§614 Land Acquisition and State Assistance

Funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 but conditions acquisition at Everglades National Park on matching state funds and management of the lands in perpetuity for the restoration of the Everglades.
 

§ 617 Atlantic Mackerel and Herring Fisheries

Limits use of funds to issue or renew fishing permits in Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries.
 

§ 730 Wetlands Reserve Program

Limits funds according to number of acres enrolled in 1999 Wetlands Reserve Program.
 

§ 901 Whale Conservation Fund Act of 1998

Provides for a National Whale Conservation Fund under the National Fish and Wildlife Establishment Act to carry out projects that address conservation needs of whales.
 

Division C - Other Matters

Title II American Fisheries Act

Amends 46 U.S.C. § 12102, et. seq. to:

Establish new standards for eligibility for fishing endorsements, effective October 1, 2001;

Set allocations, boat buyout provisions, inshore fee systems, replacement vessels terms, and requirements for fishery cooperatives for the Bering Sea Pollock Fishery; and,

Establish conservation measures for specific fisheries.
 
 

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