Bill targets foreign vessels for illegal fishing

What does this do?

This bill creates an official government blacklist of foreign fishing vessels, fleets, and their owners caught fishing illegally, using forced labor, or breaking international fishing rules. Ships on the list would be banned from U.S. ports, their seafood blocked from entering the United States, and their U.S.-held assets could be frozen and their visas revoked. The bill also directs federal agencies to share data, increase inspections at sea, help other countries fight illegal fishing, and conduct studies on Russian and Chinese fishing industries and the economic cost of illegal fishing.

Who does it affect?

Foreign fishing operators who engage in illegal or forced-labor fishing would face the most direct consequences. U.S. seafood importers who buy from those vessels and coastal fishing communities worldwide that compete with or are harmed by illegal fishing would also be affected.

Why does it matter?

Foreign vessels placed on the blacklist would lose access to U.S. ports and markets and could have their assets frozen and visas canceled. U.S. importers sourcing seafood from blacklisted vessels would be blocked from bringing those products into the country.

Where does it stand?