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16 USC § 1826c - Definitions

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1826c"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "16 USC § 1826c - Definitions"
title_number: 16
title_name: "CONSERVATION"
section_number: "1826c"
section_name: "Definitions"
chapter_number: 38
chapter_name: "FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT"
subchapter_number: "III"
subchapter_name: "FOREIGN FISHING AND INTERNATIONAL FISHERY AGREEMENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 102–582, title I, § 104, Nov. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 4903.)"
---

# § 1826c. Definitions

In sections 1826a to 1826c of this title, the following definitions apply:

**(1)** **Fish and fish products** The term “fish and fish products” means any aquatic species (including marine mammals and plants) and all products thereof exported from a nation, whether or not taken by fishing vessels of that nation or packed, processed, or otherwise prepared for export in that nation or within the jurisdiction thereof.

**(2)** **Large-scale driftnet fishing**

**(A)** **In general** Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term “large-scale driftnet fishing” means a method of fishing in which a gillnet composed of a panel or panels of webbing, or a series of such gillnets, with a total length of two and one-half kilometers or more is placed in the water and allowed to drift with the currents and winds for the purpose of entangling fish in the webbing.

**(B)** **Exception** January 1, 1994October 28, 1991

Until , the term “large-scale driftnet fishing” does not include the use in the northeast Atlantic Ocean of gillnets with a total length not to exceed five kilometers if the use is in accordance with regulations adopted by the European Community pursuant to the , decision by the Council of Fisheries Ministers of the Community.

**(3)** **Large-scale driftnet fishing vessel** The term “large-scale driftnet fishing vessel” means any vessel which is—

**(A)** used for, equipped to be used for, or of a type which is normally used for large-scale driftnet fishing; or

**(B)** used for aiding or assisting one or more vessels at sea in the performance of large-scale driftnet fishing, including preparation, supply, storage, refrigeration, transportation, or processing.

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 102–582, title I, § 104, Nov. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 4903.)

## Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Sections 1826a to 1826c of this title, referred to in text, was in the original “this title”, meaning title I of , , , which enacted sections 1826a to 1826c of this title and amended . For complete classification of title I to the Code, see Tables.

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act, and not as part of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act which comprises this chapter.