THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_
For Immediate Release September 14, 2000
September 13, 2000
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
SUBJECT: Japanese Research Whaling
On September 13, 2000, I received Secretary Mineta's certification of
Japan under the Pelly Amendment, 22 U.S.C. 1978, for having authorized
its nationals to engage in whaling operations that diminish the
effectiveness of the International Whaling Commission. The Secretary has
also certified Japan under the Packwood-Magnuson Amendment, 16 U.S.C.
1821(e)(2).
I direct the Secretary of State to inform Japan that the United States
will not, under present circumstances, negotiate a new Governing
International Fisheries Agreement (GIFA) with Japan, which has been
certified under the Packwood-Magnuson Amendment. A GIFA is a
prerequisite to foreign fishing inside the U.S. exclusive economic zone
(EEZ) (16 U.S.C. 1821(c)). Without a GIFA, Japan will not be eligible
for the allocation of any amounts of Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel,
or any other species that may become available for harvest by foreign
vessels in the U.S. EEZ, during the period in which the certification is
in effect.
I also direct the Secretaries of State, the Treasury, Commerce, and the
Interior, and the United States Trade Representative, (1) to identify
options for ensuring that existing prohibitions against the importation
of whale products under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 1361
et seq., and the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., are
fully enforced; (2) to investigate the disposition of products from the
Japanese research program, to ensure that no whale derivatives enter into
international commerce in contravention on obligations under the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora; (3) to summarize the size and nature of economic activity in Japan
related to whaling; and, (4) to continue to consider additional options,
including trade measures, as warranted by developments in Japan.
I further direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with all
relevant agencies, to keep me apprised of developments as needed, and to
report back to me on these issues prior to the end of the 60-day period
triggered by his certification.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
# # #
President and First Lady | Vice President and Mrs. Gore
Record of Progress | The Briefing Room
Gateway to Government | Contacting the White House | White House for Kids
White House History | White House Tours | Help
Privacy Statement