Houston Daily

Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), alongside Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK), has introduced the bipartisan Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act. This legislation aims to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign vessels, thereby protecting 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."

Congressman Magaziner highlighted the importance of supporting Rhode Island's coastal economy. “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,” he stated. “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.”

Emphasizing its significance for Alaska, Congressman Begich remarked on the national security threats posed by IUU fishing. “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing poses a national security threat and threatens fair trade," he said. "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." He further added that this bill ensures sustainable practices are upheld in Alaska's waters.

Key provisions of the FISH Act include directing NOAA to create a blacklist of foreign vessels involved in IUU fishing; requiring increased at-sea inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard; mandating sanctions against offending vessel owners; and encouraging stronger international agreements.

The bill builds upon existing legislation such as the Maritime SAFE Act while strengthening America's role in global sustainable fisheries management. Crenshaw expressed gratitude towards Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for their support with companion legislation in the Senate.

Lisa Wallenda Picard from the National Fisheries Institute supported this initiative stating: “Where it occurs, illegal fishing harms effective fishery management measures... NFI applauds Congressmen Crenshaw, Magaziner, and Begich for introducing this important legislation."