[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[January 10, 1992]
[Pages 73-74]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Determination Not To Prohibit 
Fish Imports From Certain Countries

January 10, 1992
Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    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), 
I am reporting to you that the Secretary of Commerce has reported to me 
that the countries of Costa Rica, France, Italy, Japan, and Panama have 
been under an embargo since May 24, 1991. No yellowfin tuna or products 
derived from yellowfin tuna harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific 
Ocean (ETP) by purse seine vessels of Mexico, Venezuela, or Vanuatu may 
be imported into the United States from these nations.
    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, Italy, Japan, and Panama, 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 fish and wildlife imports have not been prohibited, 
the report must state the rea-

[[Page 74]]

sons for the lack of a prohibition.
    After thorough review, I have determined that, given that an embargo 
is currently in effect and given the negotiations towards an 
international dolphin conservation program in the ETP, sanctions will 
not be imposed against intermediary nations at this time. Costa Rica, 
France, Italy, Japan, and Panama will continue to be certified, and we 
will review their status as intermediary nations under the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act, if requested for 1992. I will make further reports to 
you as developments warrant.
    Sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. 
                        Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
                        and Dan Quayle, President of the Senate.