NOAA has published its new policy on the use of the Asset Forfeiture Fund in the Federal Register
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce through NOAA to pay certain enforcement related costs from sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of any marine resource law enforced by the Secretary. Fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property received by NOAA are deposited in an enforcement asset forfeiture fund. NOAA finalized its policy on March 16, 2011, to clearly articulate prohibited and approved uses of these funds to ensure no conflict of interest—either real or perceived— associated with its use while continuing to promote a sound enforcement program dedicated to conserving and protecting our nation’s marine resources.
Read the new policy in the Federal Register.