To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and protect U.S. coastal economies, Representatives Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), and Nick Begich (R-AK) have introduced the bipartisan Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act.
“Illegal fishing by foreign vessels isn’t just a commercial issue, it’s a national security threat that undermines American businesses and harms our coastal communities,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “The bipartisan FISH Act is a strong step forward in confronting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by holding offenders accountable, enhancing our Coast Guard’s capabilities, and protecting American fisheries.”
The legislation directs NOAA to establish a blacklist of foreign vessels known to engage in IUU fishing, mandates more Coast Guard inspections at sea, imposes sanctions on vessel owners involved in illegal harvesting, and pushes for stronger international agreements. It builds upon the Maritime SAFE Act to reinforce U.S. leadership in global fisheries management.
“To support Rhode Island’s coastal economy and Rhode Island fishermen, we need to level the playing field by cracking down on bad actors who break the rules,” said Rep. Magaziner. “I am working with Reps. Crenshaw and Begich to introduce the FISH Act to confront illegal and unregulated fishing and ensure Ocean State workers have a fair market to compete in.”
Rep Begich added in, “Alaska’s coastal communities know the value of sustainable fisheries better than anyone, and this bill ensures that American fishermen and women aren't forced to compete against bad actors who exploit the system and disregard sustainable harvesting practices. It’s time we protect our waters, our fishermen, and our values that made Alaska the crown jewel of the U.S. seafood market."
The National Fisheries Institute supports the bill. President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard stated, “The FISH Act targets bad actors where they are, rather than imposing more costs and regulatory burdens on American companies.”
Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are also backing companion legislation in the Senate.
