Agreement between the Government of United States of America and the Government of People's Republic of China concerning fisheries off the coast of the United States.

This Agreement provides for the allocation of a portion of the total allowable catch of the United States to qualifying vessels of the PRC, access of vessels flying the flag of the PRC to the exclusive economic zone of the United States and the control over fishing operations and conduct of Chinese vessels and enforcement of United States fishing laws and regulations. The purposes of the Agreement is outlined in article I. The Government of the U.S. shall determine each year the total allowable catch, the harvesting capacity of U.S. vessels, the total allowable catch portion to be allocated to foreign vessels and the allocation of part of that portion that may be made available to Chinese vessels (art. III). Article IV outlines the factors on the basis of which the decision to allocate catch quotas shall be taken. The Government of the PRC shall cooperate with and assist the U.S. in the development of the U.S. fishing industry (art. V). The Government of the PRC shall take all necessary measures to ensure that nationals and vessels of the PRC shall comply with provisions of this Agreement and applicable laws of the U.S. (art. VI). The Government of the PRC may submit an application to the Government of the U.S. for a permit for each fishing vessel of the PRC that wishes to engage in fishing in the EEZ pursuant to this Agreement. Such application shall be prepared and processed in accordance with Annex I (art. VII). Under article VIII China shall ensure that its nationals shall refrain from harassing, hunting, capturing or killing any marine mammals with the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The remaining articles provide, inter alia, for: Marking of vessels; observers on board of Chinese vessels; appointment of agents; minimization of gear conflicts (art. IX); assistance in enforcement by the PRC (art. X); enforcement measures and penalties (art. XI); scientific research (art XII), consultations (art. XIII); reciprocity of fishing rights (art. XV).(2 Annexes form integrated part of the Agreement: Application and Permit Procedures [I]; Procedures Relating to United States Port Calls [II]).