WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), along with Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK), introduced the bipartisan Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act. This critical legislation addresses illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign vessels, safeguarding U.S. fisheries, coastal communities, and national security.
"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 Congressman 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. This legislation sends a clear message: America will stand firm against countries like China, Russia, and others who flout international law and threaten our maritime resources."
“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 Congressman 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.”
Congressman Begich emphasized the significance of the legislation for his home state, saying, “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing poses a national security threat and threatens fair trade. The FISH Act of 2025 gives us the tools to take real action by cracking down on foreign vessels that undermine fair markets and strip Alaska’s waters of our critical resources. 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."
Key Provisions of the FISH Act:
- Directs NOAA to create a blacklist of foreign vessels involved in IUU fishing.
- Requires increased at-sea inspections of suspected illegal fishing vessels by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Mandates sanctions against foreign vessel owners engaging in IUU fishing.
- Encourages stronger international agreements to combat illegal fishing.
The bill builds upon the Maritime SAFE Act and strengthens America’s leadership in promoting sustainable fisheries management globally. Crenshaw thanked Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for championing companion legislation in the Senate.
The FISH Act is supported by experts. Lisa Wallenda Picard, President & CEO of the National Fisheries Institute added “Where it occurs, illegal fishing harms effective fishery management measures, undercuts harvesters that fish legally and responsibly, and can be associated with unfair treatment of crewmembers. Contrary to the highly flawed and ineffective Seafood Import Monitoring Program, the FISH Act targets bad actors where they are, rather than imposing more costs and regulatory burdens on American companies. NFI applauds Congressmen Crenshaw, Magaziner, and Begich for introducing this important legislation.