---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 8012"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "8012"
heading: "Engagement of diplomatic missions of the United States"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/8012"
units:
  - "Chapter 99 — Maritime Security and Fisheries Enforcement"
  - "Subchapter I — Programs to Combat Iuu Fishing and Increase Maritime Security"
---

# §8012. Engagement of diplomatic missions of the United States


Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, each chief of mission (as defined in [section 3902 of title 22](/usc/22/3902.md)) to a relevant country in a [priority region](/usc/16/8001.md?p=9) or to a [priority flag state](/usc/16/8001.md?p=8) may, if the Secretary of State determines such action is appropriate—

- (1) convene a working group, led by Department of State officials, to examine [IUU fishing](/usc/16/8001.md?p=6), which may include stakeholders such as—
  - (A) United States officials from relevant agencies participating in the interagency Working Group identified in [section 8031 of this title](/usc/16/8031.md), foreign officials, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and representatives of local fishermen in the region; and
  - (B) experts on [IUU fishing](/usc/16/8001.md?p=6), law enforcement, criminal justice, [transnational organized illegal activity](/usc/16/8001.md?p=12), defense, intelligence, vessel movement monitoring, and international development operating in or with knowledge of the region; and
- (2) designate a counter-[IUU Fishing](/usc/16/8001.md?p=6) Coordinator from among existing personnel at the mission if the chief of mission determines such action is appropriate.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 116–92, div. C, title XXXV, § 3542, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2001.)