WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws, predatory IUU fishing hurts the U.S.—especially Louisiana—which is a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood. This practice disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems, and food and economic security while often involving forced labor, human trafficking, and unsafe working conditions.
“Illegal fishing practices abroad threaten Louisiana. Seafood production is a driver of our economy and way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By cracking down on unfair competition from IUU fishing, we can preserve jobs, protect our local economies, strengthen national security, and safeguard marine habitats.”
“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has devastating consequences on global security, our economy—including Virginia’s seafood industry—and marine conservation efforts,” said Senator Kaine. “The People’s Republic of China is a particularly egregious perpetrator of IUU fishing violations, and the PRC’s lawless behavior warrants a coordinated response from the U.S. government and our international partners. This bipartisan legislation takes important steps to deter IUU fishing by the PRC and other bad actors, and hold those participating in IUU fishing accountable for their actions.”
IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.
IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world.
Specifically, the Protecting Global Fisheries Act would:
- Expand existing authorities to allow the U.S. government to work with partners and allies around the world to support the enforcement of maritime law enforcement agreements that combat IUU fishing.
- Authorize the President to impose visa, asset, and financial sanctions on foreign persons or foreign vessels found responsible or complicit in IUU fishing and the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species.
- Require the U.S. Departments of State and Defense to regularly provide briefings to Congress on efforts and strategies to combat IUU fishing.
- Assert that the U.S. will prioritize countering IUU fishing in collaboration with friendly countries and via international forums.
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