Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Sonnenschein's attorneys have represented a wide range of businesses and organizations connected to the commercial and recreational fishing industries. We have helped manufacturers of marine engines with enforcement and clean-up proceedings. We have represented sea food importers with FTC and related trade matters, including antidumping and countervailing duty laws as well as in proceedings brought under Sections 301 and 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 and Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. In addition, we frequently advise importers on matters of Customs law, including classification, value, origin, and enforcement issues.

We have served on expert panels assessing the "sustainability" and quality of management of major commercial fisheries in the North Pacific and South Atlantic, and as the only attorneys to have done such work, we are uniquely situated to help commercial fisheries seeking certification under Marine Stewardship Council or other similar "green seal" regimes. We have supported fishery clients active in the federal fishery management council process, and have provided counsel to international organizations on the nature and legal compliance status of certain U.S. fisheries. We have served as lead counsel to a foreign nation in negotiations of access agreements for other nations' fleets. Working through the firm's Public Law & Policy Strategies group, we maintain very close relationships with Congressional leadership on committees responsible for oceans policy and related matters, including appropriations