[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[March 3, 1992]
[Page 369]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Message to the Congress on the Determination Not To Prohibit Fish 
Imports From Certain Countries

March 3, 1992
To the Congress of the United States:
    Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of the Pelly Amendment 
to the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967, as amended (22 U.S.C. 
1978(b)), I am reporting to you that the Secretary of Commerce reported 
to me that shipments of yellowfin tuna or products derived from 
yellowfin tuna harvested by Venezuela in the eastern tropical Pacific 
Ocean (ETP) have been prohibited from the countries of Costa Rica, 
France, and Italy since June 25, 1991.
    The Secretary's letter to me is deemed to be a certification for the 
purposes of subsection (a) of the Pelly Amendment. Subsection (a) 
requires that I consider and, at my discretion, order the prohibition of 
imports into the United States of fish and fish products from Costa 
Rica, France, and Italy to the extent that such prohibition is 
consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Subsection 
(b) requires me to report to the Congress within 60 days following 
certification on the actions taken pursuant to the certification; if all 
fish imports have not been prohibited, the report must state the reasons 
for so doing.
    After thorough review, I have determined that sanctions against 
Costa Rica, France, and Italy will not be imposed at this time while we 
continue to work toward an international dolphin conservation program in 
the ETP. Costa Rica, France, and Italy will continue to be certified. I 
will make further reports to you as developments warrant.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
March 3, 1992.