---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 4017"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "4017"
heading: "Investigations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/4017"
units:
  - "Chapter 60 — Fish and Seafood Promotion"
---

# §4017. Investigations

- (a) **Authority to make investigations—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) may make such investigations as the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) determines necessary to—
  - (1) carry out the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16)’s responsibilities under this chapter; and
  - (2) determine whether any [person](/usc/16/4003.md?p=11) has engaged in any act or practice which constitutes a [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of the provisions of this chapter.
- (b) **Oaths and affirmations—** For the purpose of investigations under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section, the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of such witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the [United States](/usc/16/4003.md?p=17).
- (c) **Court orders—** In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena issued under this section by any [person](/usc/16/4003.md?p=11), the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) may invoke the aid of any court of the [United States](/usc/16/4003.md?p=17) within the jurisdiction of which such investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where such [person](/usc/16/4003.md?p=11) resides or has his business, to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents. Such court may issue an order requiring such [person](/usc/16/4003.md?p=11) to appear before the [Secretary](/usc/16/4003.md?p=16) to produce records or to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 99–659, title II, § 218, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3731.)