S 688 — Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025
Last action — Held at the desk.
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✓Introduced
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✓In Committee
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3Passed Senate
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4Passed House
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 24, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.
Odds of enactment
Moderate chanceBased on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.
Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.
A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.
Prognosis
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Passed Senate
Current position in the legislative process.
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10 sponsors
1 primary, 9 co-sponsors signed on.
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Bipartisan support
Sponsored across 2 parties (6 R · 4 D) — cross-party backing.
Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
227 added · 376 removedPlain-language change summary
The revised bill now refers to the list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as the "IUU vessel list," instead of the "black list." Additionally, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor are joined by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the responsibility to develop and maintain this list. These changes clarify the naming and the administrative roles involved in monitoring and addressing IUU fishing activities.
688 ReportedEngrossed in Senate (RS)](ES)] <DOC> Calendar119th No.CONGRESS 2d Session S.
313688 119th_______________________________________________________________________ CONGRESSAN 2dACT SessionTo S.combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.
688 [Report No.
119-101] To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.
_______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 24, 2025 Mr.
Sullivan (for himself, Mr.
Whitehouse, Ms.
Murkowski, Mr.
Wicker, Mr.
Graham, Mr.
Merkley, Ms.
Blunt Rochester, Mr.
Coons, Mr.
Kennedy, and Mrs.
Hyde-Smith) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation February 3, 2026 Reported by Mr.
Cruz, with an amendment [Insert the part printed in italic] _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.
(5) IUU fishing.--The term ``IUU fishing'' means activities described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, orand unregulated fishing in paragraph 3 of the International Plan of Action to Prevent, DeterDeter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, adopted at the 24th Session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome on March 2, 2001.
ESTABLISHMENT OF AAN BLACKIUU LIST (IUU VESSEL LIST).LIST.
``(c) BlackIUU List (IUU Vessel List).--List.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the CommissionerSecretary of U.S.Labor, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall develop, maintain, and make public a list of foreign vessels, foreign fleets, and beneficial owners of foreign vessels or foreign fleets engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in support of IUU fishing (referred to in this section as the `IUU vessel list').
Customs``(2) andInclusion Borderon Protection,list.--The andIUU thevessel Secretarylist ofshall Labor,include shallany develop,foreign maintain,vessel, andforeign makefleet, publicor abeneficial listowner of a foreign vessels,vessel or foreign fleets,fleet andfor beneficialwhich ownersthe ofSecretary foreigndetermines vesselsthere oris foreignclear fleetsand engagedconvincing inevidence IUUto fishingbelieve orthat fishing-relateda activitiesforeign invessel supportis any of IUUthe fishingfollowing (referred(even toif inthe thisSecretary sectionhas asonly thepartial `IUUinformation vesselregarding list').the vessel):
``(2)``(A) InclusionA vessel listed on list.--Thean IUU vessel list shall include any foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of aan foreigninternational vesselfishery ormanagement foreignorganization. fleet for which the Secretary determines there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that a foreign vessel is any of the following (even if the Secretary has only partial information regarding the foreign vessel):
``(A)``(B) A foreign vessel listedknowingly ontaking anpart IUUin vesselfishing listthat undermines the effectiveness of an international fishery management organization.organization's conservation and management measures, including a vessel-- ``(i) exceeding applicable international fishery management organization catch limits;
``(B) A foreign vessel taking part in fishing that undermines the effectiveness of an international fishery management organization's conservation and management measures, including a foreign vessel-- ``(i) exceeding applicable international fishery management organization catch limits;
``(C) A foreign vessel, either on the high seas or in the exclusive economic zone of another country, identified and reported by United States authorities to an international fishery management organization to be conducting IUU fishing when the United States has reason to believe the foreign country to which the foreign vessel is registered or documented is not addressing the allegation.
``(D) A foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet on the high seas identified by United States authorities to be conducting IUU fishingfishing. or fishing that involves the use of forced labor, including individuals and entities subject to a withhold release order or a finding issued by U.S.
Customs``(E) andA Bordervessel Protectionthat pursuantknowingly provides services (excluding emergency or enforcement services) to sectiona 307vessel ofthat is on the TariffIUU Actvessel oflist, (19including U.S.C.transshipment, resupply, refueling, or pilotage.
1307)``(F) orA anyvessel otherthat U.S.is a fishing vessel engaged in commercial fishing within the exclusive economic zone of the United States without a permit issued under title II of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C.
Customs and Border Protection enforcement action, sanctions imposed by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C.
et seq.), or any other United States Government forced labor prevention or enforcement action that has not been subsequently revoked.
``(E) A foreign vessel that provides services (excluding emergency or enforcement services) to a foreign vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, including transshipment, resupply, refueling, or pilotage.
``(F) A foreign vessel that is a fishing vessel engaged in commercial fishing within the exclusive economic zone of the United States without a permit issued under title II of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C.
``(G) A foreign vessel that has the same beneficial owner as aanother foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list at the time of the infraction.
``(H)``(3) ANominations foreignto be put on the iuu vessel orlist.--The beneficialSecretary ownermay ofreceive anominations foreignfor putting a vessel subjecton tothe economicIUU sanctionsvessel administeredlist byfrom-- ``(A) the Departmenthead of thean Treasuryexecutive Officebranch ofagency Foreignthat Assetsis Controla formember transnationalof criminalthe activityInteragency associatedWorking withGroup on IUU fishingFishing established under Executivesection Order3551 13581of (76the Fed.Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
Reg.
44757, 84 Fed.
Reg.
10255;
relating to blocking property of transnational criminal organizations), or any other applicable economic sanctions program, including sanctions imposed by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C.
10101 et seq.).
Show all 161 changed lines (121 more)
``(3) Nominations to be put on the black (iuu vessel) list.--The Secretary may receive nominations for putting a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list from-- ``(A) the head of an executive branch agency that is a member of the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
``(4) Procedures for addition.--Theaddition.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may put a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list only after notification to the foreign vessel's beneficial owner and a review of any information that the owner provides within 90 days of the notification.
``(5)``(B) PublicHearing.--A information.--Thebeneficial Secretaryowner shallmay publishrequest itsa procedureshearing foron addingthe foreignevidence vesselsif on,the andowner's removingvessel foreignis vesselsplaced from,on the IUU vessel list.list under subparagraph (A) and may present new evidence to the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing described in paragraph (3)(A).
TheSuch SecretaryWorking Group shall publishreview the IUUnew vesselevidence list itself in the Federal Register annually and vote on awhether website, which shall be updated any time a foreign vessel is added to the IUU vessel list,shall andremain include the following information (as much as is available and confirmed) for each foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list:list or not.
``(A)``(5) ThePublic nameinformation.--The ofSecretary theshall foreignpublish vesselits procedures for adding vessels on, and previousremoving namesvessels offrom, the foreignIUU vessel.vessel list.
``(B) The InternationalSecretary Maritimeshall Organizationpublish (IMO)the numberIUU ofvessel list itself in the foreignFederal vessel,Register orannually otherand Uniqueon Vessela Identifierwebsite, (suchwhich asshall thebe flagupdated stateany permittime numbera orvessel authorizedis added to the IUU vessel numberlist, issuedand byinclude anthe internationalfollowing fisheryinformation management(as organization).much as is available and confirmed) for each vessel on the IUU vessel list:
``(C)``(A) The maritimename mobileof servicethe identityvessel number and callprevious signnames of the foreign vessel.
``(D)``(B) The businessInternational orMaritime corporateOrganization address(IMO) number of eachthe beneficialvessel, owneror ofother Unique Vessel Identifier (such as the foreignflag vessel.state permit number or authorized vessel number issued by an international fishery management organization).
``(E)``(C) The countrymaritime wheremobile theservice foreignidentity vesselnumber is registered or documented, and wherecall itsign wasof previouslythe registeredvessel. if known.
``(F)``(D) The datebusiness ofor inclusioncorporate onaddress theof IUUeach vesselbeneficial listowner of the foreign vessel.
``(E) The country where the vessel is registered or documented, and where it was previously registered if known.
``(F) The date of inclusion on the IUU vessel list of the vessel.
``(H) Any other identifying information on the foreign vessel, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(I) The basis for the Secretary's inclusion of the foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list under paragraph (2).
``(d) ConsequencesAction.--The ofSecretary Beingmay ontake Blackthe Listaction (IUUdescribed Vesselin List).--subsection ``(1)(c)(2) Inof general.--Exceptthis forsection in effect on the purposesday before the date of inspectionenactment andof enforcementthe orFighting inForeign caseIllegal ofSeafood forceHarvests majeure,Act aof foreignagainst a vessel on the IUU vessel listlist, isthe prohibitedowner from--of ``(A)such accessingvessel, Unitedand Statesthe portsoperator andof usingsuch portvessel. services;
``(B)``(e) travelingPermanency throughof theIUU UnitedVessel StatesList.-- territorial``(1) seaIn unlessgeneral.--Except itas provided in paragraph (3), a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet that is conductingput innocenton passage;the IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list.
``(2) Application by owner for potential removal.-- ``(A) In general.--In consultation with the Secretary of State and ``(C)the deliveringheads orof receivingother suppliesrelevant agencies, the Secretary may remove a vessel, fleet, or services,beneficial owner of a vessel or transshipment,fleet withinfrom watersthe subjectIUU tovessel list if the jurisdictionbeneficial owner of the Unitedvessel States,submits unlessan suchapplication prohibitionfor wouldremoval beto inconsistentthe withSecretary customarythat internationalmeets law.the standards that the Secretary has set out for removal.
``(2)The ServicingSecretary prohibited.--Noshall vesselmake ofsuch thestandards Unitedpublicly Statesavailable. may service a foreign vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, except in an emergency involving life and safety or to facilitate enforcement.
``(3)``(B) ImportsConsideration prohibited.--The import of seafoodrelevant orinformation.--In seafoodconsidering productsan caught,application processed,for orremoval, transported by foreign vessels on the IUUSecretary vessel list is prohibited and shall beconsider subjectrelevant toinformation thefrom enforcementall provisionssources. of section 606.
``(4)``(3) FishingRemoval treatiesdue andto agreements.--Itinternational shouldfishery bemanagement organization action.--The Secretary may remove a priorityvessel forfrom Unitedthe StatesIUU delegationsvessel to--list ``(A)if advocatethe forvessel was put on the incorporationlist ofbecause articlesit inwas a vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organizationsorganization, providingpursuant identicalto orsubsection similar(c)(2)(A), safeguardsand describedthe ininternational thisfishery sectionmanagement inorganization newremoved andthe updatedvessel bilateralfrom orits multilateralIUU fishingvessel treaties;list.
``(f) Regulations and ``(B)Process.--Not encouragelater partiesthan to12 internationalmonths andafter regionalthe fisheriesdate organizationsof thatenactment of the UnitedFighting StatesForeign isIllegal partySeafood to,Harvests orAct holdsof observer2025, status,the Secretary shall issue regulations to takeset similara measuresprocess describedfor inestablishing, thismaintaining, section.implementing, and publishing the IUU vessel list.
``(e)The EnforcementAdministrator ofmay Blackadd Listor (IUUremove Vessela List).--vessel, ``(1)fleet, Inor general.--Exceptbeneficial asowner providedof in paragraph (2), a foreign vessel onor fleet from the IUU vessel list andon the cargodate ofthe such vessel shallbecomes beeligible subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States in the same manner as merchandise is forfeited for violationsuch ofaddition theor customsremoval. revenue laws.
``(2)``(g) Exception.--TheDefinitions.--In cargothis ofsection: seafood of a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list shall not be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States if the cargo of seafood is in the possession of an importer who has paid for the cargo of seafood and did not know, or did not have any reason to know, that the seafood was the product of IUU fishing.
``(f) Permanency of Black List (IUU Vessel List).-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) through (4), a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet that is put on the IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list.
``(2) Revocation of wro.--The Secretary shall remove a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list if the foreign vessel was added to the IUU vessel list because it was found by U.S.
Customs and Border Protection to have had a withhold release order or a finding issued pursuant to section of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C.
1307) and the withhold release order was subsequently revoked.
``(3) Application by owner for potential removal.-- ``(A) In general.--In consultation with the Secretary of State and the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, the Secretary may remove a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list if the beneficial owner of the foreign vessel submits an application for removal to the Secretary that meets the standards that the Secretary has set out for removal.
``(B) Standards.--The Secretary shall include in the standards set out for removal a determination that the foreign vessel or foreign vessel owner has not engaged in IUU fishing or fishing that involves the use of forced labor during the 5-year period preceding the date of the application for removal.
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, shall determine whether each application for removal demonstrates that sufficient corrective action has been taken to remediate the violations and infractions that led to the inclusion on the IUU vessel list.
``(C) Consideration of relevant information.--In considering an application for removal, the Secretary shall consider relevant information from all sources.
``(4) Removal due to international fishery management organization action.--The Secretary may remove a foreign vessel from the IUU vessel list if the foreign vessel was put on the list because it was a foreign vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization, pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A), and the international fishery management organization removed the foreign vessel from its IUU vessel list.
``(g) Regulations and Process.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Secretary shall issue regulations to set a process for establishing, maintaining, implementing, and publishing the IUU vessel list.
The Administrator may add or remove a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list on the date the foreign vessel becomes eligible for such addition or removal.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(3) ForcedForeign labor.--Thevessel.--The term `forced`foreign labor'vessel' has the meaning given thatthe term in section 307110 of thetitle Tariff46, ActUnited ofStates (19Code). U.S.C.
1307).``(4) International fishery management organization.--The term `international fishery management organization' means an international organization established by any bilateral or multilateral treaty, convention, or agreement for the conservation and management of fish.
``(4)``(5) ForeignIUU vessel.--Thefishing.--The term `foreign`IUU vessel'fishing' has the meaning given the term `illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing' in sectionthe 110implementing ofregulations titleor 46,any Unitedsubsequent Statesregulations Code.issued pursuant to section 609(e).
``(5)``(6) InternationalSeafood.--The fisheryterm management`seafood' organization.--Themeans termfish, `internationalshellfish, fisheryprocessed managementfish, organization'fish meansmeal, anshellfish internationalproducts, organizationand establishedall byother anyforms bilateralof ormarine multilateralanimal treaty,and convention,plant orlife agreementother forthan themarine conservationmammals and managementbirds. of fish.
``(6)``(h) IUUAuthorization fishing.--Theof termAppropriations.--There `IUUare fishing'authorized meansto activitiesbe describedappropriated asto illegal fishing, unreported fishing, or unregulated fishing in paragraph 3 of the InternationalDepartment Plan of ActionCommerce to Prevent,carry Deterout andthis Eliminatesection Illegal,$10,000,000 Unreportedfor andeach Unregulated Fishing, adopted at the 24th Session of thefiscal Committeeyears on2025 Fisheriesthrough in2030.''. Rome on March 2, 2001.
``(7) Seafood.--The term `seafood' means fish, shellfish, processed fish, fish meal, shellfish products, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''.
IMPOSITIONVISA OFSANCTIONS SANCTIONS.FOR FOREIGN PERSONS.
(a) AuthorizationForeign forPersons Sanctions.--TheDescribed.--A Secretaryforeign ofperson theis Treasury may impose the measures described in this subsection (b)if withthe respect to-- (1) any foreign person oris foreign vessel, regardless of ownership, that the Secretaryowner of the Treasury determines has participated in-- (A) the sale, supply, purchase, or transferbeneficial (includingowner transportation) of a fishvessel specieson thatthe isIUU anvessel endangeredlist species,developed asunder defined in section 608(c) of the EndangeredHigh SpeciesSeas ActDriftnet ofFishing 1973Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
1532),1826i(c)). directly or indirectly;
(b) Ineligibility for Visas, Admission, or (B)Parole.-- IUU(1) fishing;Visas, admission, or parole.--A foreign person described in subsection (a) is-- (A) inadmissible to the United States;
(2)(B) aineligible leaderto orreceive officiala ofvisa an entity that has engaged in, or whoseother membersdocumentation haveto engagedenter in, any of the activitiesUnited describedStates; in paragraph (1);
(3)and an(C) entityotherwise determinedineligible to havebe owned,admitted operated, chartered, or controlledparoled ainto vesselthe whoseUnited personnelStates areor engagedto inreceive theany activitiesother describedbenefit inunder paragraphthe (1)Immigration atand aNationality timeAct period(8 relatingU.S.C. to the activities;
(4)et anseq.). entity that commits any action described in section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
1826i)(2) asCurrent visas revoked.-- (A) In general.--The visa or other entry documentation of a basisforeign toperson bedescribed putin onsubsection the(a) IUUshall vesselbe listrevoked, underregardless of when such section;visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.
and(B) (5)Immediate aneffect.--A entityrevocation thatunder hassubparagraph materially(A) assisted,shall, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in supportaccordance of,with asection foreign221(i) personof orthe foreignImmigration vesseland describedNationality inAct paragraph(8 (1).U.S.C.
(b)1201(i))-- Sanctions(i) Described.--Thetake sanctionseffect; to be imposed under subsection (a) are the following:
(1)and Blocking(ii) ofcancel property.--Notwithstandingany sectionother 202valid ofvisa theor Internationalentry Emergencydocumentation Economicthat Powersis Actin (50the U.S.C.person's possession.
1701),(c) National Interest Waiver.--The President may waive the exerciseimposition of allsanctions powersunder grantedthis section with respect to thea Presidentforeign byperson theif Internationaldoing Emergencyso Economicis Powersin Actthe (50national U.S.C.interest of the United States.
1701(d) etExceptions.-- seq.)(1) toExceptions thefor extentauthorized necessaryintelligence to block and prohibitlaw allenforcement transactionsactivities.--This insection allshall propertynot andapply interestswith inrespect propertyto ofactivities asubject foreign person or entity described in subsection (a) including, to the extentreporting appropriate,requirements theunder vesseltitle V of which the personNational isSecurity theAct beneficial owner, if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a1947 United(50 StatesU.S.C. person.
(2) Ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole.-- (A) Visas, admission, or parole.--A foreign person described in subsection (a) is-- (i) inadmissible to the United States;
(ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States;
and (iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101 et seq.).
(B) Current visas revoked.-- (i) In general.--The visa or other entry documentation of a foreign person described in subsection (a) shall be revoked, regardless of when such visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.
(ii) Immediate effect.--A revocation under clause (i) shall, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1201(i))-- (I) take effect;
and (II) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the person's possession.
(c) Implementation;
Penalties.-- (1) Implementation.--The President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
1702 and 1704) to carry out this section.
(2) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
1705) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section.
(d) National Interest Waiver.--The President may waive the imposition of sanctions under this section with respect to a foreign person or entity.
(e) Exceptions.-- (1) Exceptions for authorized intelligence and law enforcement activities.--This section shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C.
(2) Exception to comply with international agreements.-- Sanctions under subsection (b)(2)(b) shall not apply with respect to the admission of an alien to the United States if such admission is necessary to comply with the obligations of the United States under the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or the Convention on Consular Relations, done at Vienna April 24, 1963, and entered into force March 19, 1967, or other international obligations.
(3) Exception for safety of vessels and crew.--Sanctions under thissubsection section(b) shall not apply with respect to a person or entity providing provisions to a vessel identified under section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
(4) HumanitarianExemptions.--Sanctions exception.--Theunder Presidentsubsection may(b) shall not imposeapply sanctions under this section with respect to anya person ordescribed entityin forsubsection conducting(a), orif facilitatingsuch aperson transactionwas forlisted as the saleowner of agriculturala commodities,vessel food,described medicine,in orthat medicalsubsection devicesthrough orthe foruse theof provisionforce, threats of humanitarianforce, assistance.fraud, or coercion.
(f)(e) Rulemaking.--Definitions.--In (1) In general.--The President is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this sectionsection: (which may include regulatory exceptions), including under section 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
1704).
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section, or in any amendment made by this section, may be construed to limit the authority of the President pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
1701 et seq.).
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(a) Presidential Negotiation.--In negotiating any relevant agreement with a foreign nation or nations after the date of enactment of this Act, the President is encouraged to consider the impacts on or to IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor and strive to ensure that the agreement strengthens efforts to combat IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor.labor as long as such considerations do not come at the expense of higher priority national interests of the United States.
(b) Federal Government Encouragement.--The Federal Government should encourage other nations to ratify treaties and agreements that address IUU fishing to which the United States is a party, including the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, the High Seas Fishing Compliance Agreement,Agreement and the Port State Measures Agreement, and other applicable agreements, and pursue bilateral and multilateral initiatives to raise international ambition to combat IUU fishing, including in the G7 and G20, the United Nations, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and through voluntary multilateral efforts.efforts, as long as clear burden sharing arrangements with partner nations are determined.
The bilateral and multilateral initiatives should address underlying drivers of IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor,labor. such as the practice of transshipment, flags of convenience vessels, and government subsidies of the distant water fishing industry.
(c) Transparency for Non-BindingNon-binding Instruments Concluded Under This Section.--Any memorandum of understanding or other non-binding instrument to further the objectives of this section shall be considered a qualifying non-binding instrument for purposes of section 112b of title 1, United States Code.
(a) Increase Boarding of Vessels Suspected of IUU Fishing.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall strive,strive in accordance with the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, to increase, from year to year, its observation of vessels on the high seas that are suspected of IUU fishing and related harmful practices, and is encouraged to consider boarding these vessels to the greatest extent practicable.
(b) Follow Up.--Theup.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Secretary of State, coordinate regularly with regional fisheries management organizations to determine what corrective measures each country has taken after vessels that are registered or documented by the country have been boarded for suspected IUU fishing.
and ``(16) developing a strategy for leveraging enforcement capacity against associated abuses, such as fishing that involves the use of forced labor and other illegal labor practices, and increasing enforcement and other actions across relevant importenforcement, control and assessment programs, using as resources-- ``(A) the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor produced pursuant to section 105 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of (22 U.S.C.
and ``(D) reports submitted under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (22(Public U.S.C.Law 116-145).''.
6901 note).''.
``(c) Strategies Toto Optimize Data Collection, Sharing, and Analysis.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Working Group shall identify information and resources to prevent fish and fish products from IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor from enteringnegatively affecting United States commerce without increasing burdenburdens or trade barriers on seafood not produced from IUU fishing.
``(5) Recommendations for enhancing capacity for United States Customs and Border Protection and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct more effective field investigations and enforcement efforts with U.S.
``(6) Recommendations for improving data collection and automated risk-targeting of seafoodseafood. imports within the United States International Trade Data System and Automated Commercial Environment.
``(8) Recommendations for an implementation strategy, including measures for ensuring that trade in seafood not linked to IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor is not impeded.affected.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State,State the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, and the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, are encouraged to increase support to programs that provide technical assistance, institutional capacity, and investment to nations' fisheries sectors for sustainable fisheries management and combating IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor.
(b) Analysis of U.S.US Capacity-building Expertise and Resources.--In order to maximize efforts on preventing IUU fishing at its sources, the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
Capacity-Building Expertise and Resources.--In order to maximize efforts on preventing IUU fishing at its sources, the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
PREVENTINGSTRATEGY IMPORTATIONTO OFIDENTIFY SEAFOOD AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS FROM FOREIGN VESSELS USING FORCED LABOR.
The CommissionerSecretary, in coordination with the heads of U.S.other relevant agencies, shall-- (1) develop a strategy for utilizing relevant United States Government data to identify seafood harvested on foreign vessels using forced labor;
Customs and Border(2) Protection,publish ininformation coordinationregarding with the Secretary shall-- (1) develop a strategy fordeveloped utilizingunder relevantparagraph United(1) States Government data to identify imports of seafood harvested on foreigna vesselspublicly usingaccessible forcedwebsite. labor;
and (2) publish information regarding the strategy developed under paragraph (1) on the website of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection.
(b) Russian and Chinese Fishing Industries' Influence on Each Other and on the United States Seafood and Fishing Industry.--Not later than years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, with support from the Secretary of CommerceCommerce, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, shall-- (1) conduct a study on the collaboration between the Russian and Chinese fishing industries and on the role of seafood reprocessing in China (including that of raw materials originating in Russia) in global seafood markets and its impact on United States seafoodinterests; importers, processors, and consumers;
(c) Fishermen Conducting Unlawful Fishing in the EconomicExclusive ExclusionEconomic Zone.--Section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $4,000,000.''.$2,000,000.''.
1131(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``this``for title''fiscal andyear all2025'' that follows and inserting ``this``for title $105,700,000 for each of fiscal years 20262025 through 2031.'';2031'';
CalendarSEC. No.
31314. 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
688EXCEPTION [ReportRELATED No.TO THE IMPORTATION OF GOODS.
119-101](a) _______________________________________________________________________In AGeneral.--The BILLauthorities Toand combatrequirements illegal,provided unreported,in this Act, and unregulatedthe fishingamendments atmade itsby sourcesthis globally.Act, shall not include any authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods or related to sanctions on the importation of goods.
_______________________________________________________________________(b) FebruaryGood 3,Defined.--In 2026this Reportedsection, withthe anterm amendment``good''-- (1) means any article, natural or man-made substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment;
and (2) excludes technical data.
SEC.
15.
RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority under, or otherwise affect, a provision of law that-- (1) is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act;
and (2) is not amended by this Act.
Passed the Senate March 22, 2026.
Attest:
Secretary.
119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
688 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.
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- Reported Reported to Senate html February 03, 2026
- Introduced Introduced in Senate html February 24, 2025
What Congress says this changes
S. Rept. 119-101Published by the reporting committee Not generated — this is the committee's own “Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported”.
Text to be removed appears in [brackets]. Newly inserted text is italicised in the official report and cannot be marked in this plain-text rendition — read the official PDF ↗ for the authoritative formatting.
changes in existing law made by the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new material is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): HIGH SEAS DRIFTNET FISHING MORATORIUM PROTECTION ACT * * * * * * * TITLE VI--DRIFTNET MORATORIUM * * * * * * * [16 U.S.C. 1826i] SEC 608. ACTION TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS. (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, and in cooperation with relevant fishery management councils and any relevant advisory committees, shall take actions to improve the effectiveness of international fishery management organizations, or arrangements made pursuant to an international fishery agreement, in conserving and managing fish stocks under their jurisdiction. These actions shall include-- (1) * * * * * * * * * * (b) Disclosure of Information.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, subject to the data confidentiality provisions in section 402 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881a) except as provided in paragraph (2), may disclose, as necessary and appropriate, information, including information collected under joint authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 71 et seq.), the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), any other statute implementing an international fishery agreement, to any other Federal or State government agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, or the secretariat or equivalent of an international fishery management organization or arrangement made pursuant to an international fishery agreement, if such government, organization, or arrangement, respectively, has policies and procedures to protect such information from unintended or unauthorized disclosure. (2) Exceptions.--The data confidentiality provisions in section 402 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881a) shall not apply with respect to this Act-- (A) for obligations of the United States to share information under a regional fisheries management organization (as that term is defined by the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) of which the United States is a member; or (B) to any information collected by the Secretary regarding foreign vessels. [(c) IUU Vessel Lists.--The Secretary may-- [(1) develop, maintain, and make public a list of vessels and vessel owners engaged in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing or fishing-related activities in support of illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing, including vessels or vessel owners identified by an international fishery management organization or arrangement made pursuant to an international fishery agreement, that-- [(A) the United States is party to; or [(B) the United States is not party to, but whose procedures and criteria in developing and maintaining a list of such vessels and vessel owners are substantially similar to such procedures and criteria adopted pursuant to an international fishery agreement to which the United States is a party; and [(2) take appropriate action against listed vessels and vessel owners, including action against fish, fish parts, or fish products from such vessels, in accordance with applicable United States law and consistent with applicable international law, including principles, rights, and obligations established in applicable international fishery management agreements and trade agreements. [(d) Regulations.--The Secretary may promulgate regulations to implement this section.] (c) Black List (IUU Vessel List).-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Secretary of Labor, shall develop, maintain, and make public a list of foreign vessels, foreign fleets, and beneficial owners of foreign vessels or foreign fleets engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in support of IUU fishing (referred to in this section as the ``IUU vessel list''). (2) Inclusion on list.--The IUU vessel list shall include any foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet for which the Secretary determines there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that a foreign vessel is any of the following (even if the Secretary has only partial information regarding the foreign vessel): (A) A foreign vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization. (B) A foreign vessel taking part in fishing that undermines the effectiveness of an international fishery management organization's conservation and management measures, including a foreign vessel-- (i) exceeding applicable international fishery management organization catch limits; or (ii) that is operating inconsistent with relevant catch allocation arrangements of the international fishery management organization, even if operating under the authority of a foreign country that is not a member of the international fishery management organization. (C) A foreign vessel, either on the high seas or in the exclusive economic zone of another country, identified and reported by United States authorities to an international fishery management organization to be conducting IUU fishing when the United States has reason to believe the foreign country to which the foreign vessel is registered or documented is not addressing the allegation. (D) A foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet on the high seas identified by United States authorities to be conducting IUU fishing or fishing that involves the use of forced labor, including individuals and entities subject to a withhold release order or a finding issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection pursuant to section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307) or any other U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforcement action, sanctions imposed by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.), or any other United States Government forced labor prevention or enforcement action that has not been subsequently revoked. (E) A foreign vessel that provides services (excluding emergency or enforcement services) to a foreign vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, including transshipment, resupply, refueling, or pilotage. (F) A foreign vessel that is a fishing vessel engaged in commercial fishing within the exclusive economic zone of the United States without a permit issued under title II of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1821 et seq.). (G) A foreign vessel that has the same beneficial owner as a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list at the time of the infraction. (H) A foreign vessel or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel subject to economic sanctions administered by the Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control for transnational criminal activity associated with IUU fishing under Executive Order 13581 (76 Fed. Reg. 44757, 84 Fed. Reg. 10255; relating to blocking property of transnational criminal organizations), or any other applicable economic sanctions program, including sanctions imposed by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.). (3) Nominations to be put on the black (iuu vessel) list.--The Secretary may receive nominations for putting a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list from-- (A) the head of an executive branch agency that is a member of the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031); (B) a country that is a member of the Combined Maritime Forces; or (C) civil organizations that have data- sharing agreements with a member of the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing. (4) Procedures for addition.--The Secretary may put a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list only after notification to the foreign vessel's beneficial owner and a review of any information that the owner provides within 90 days of the notification. (5) Public information.--The Secretary shall publish its procedures for adding foreign vessels on, and removing foreign vessels from, the IUU vessel list. The Secretary shall publish the IUU vessel list itself in the Federal Register annually and on a website, which shall be updated any time a foreign vessel is added to the IUU vessel list, and include the following information (as much as is available and confirmed) for each foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list: (A) The name of the foreign vessel and previous names of the foreign vessel. (B) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) number of the foreign vessel, or other Unique Vessel Identifier (such as the flag state permit number or authorized vessel number issued by an international fishery management organization). (C) The maritime mobile service identity number and call sign of the foreign vessel. (D) The business or corporate address of each beneficial owner of the foreign vessel. (E) The country where the foreign vessel is registered or documented, and where it was previously registered if known. (F) The date of inclusion on the IUU vessel list of the foreign vessel. (G) Any other Unique Vessel Identifier (UVI), if applicable. (H) Any other identifying information on the foreign vessel, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (I) The basis for the Secretary's inclusion of the foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list under paragraph (2). (d) Consequences of Being on Black List (IUU Vessel List).-- (1) In general.--Except for the purposes of inspection and enforcement or in case of force majeure, a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list is prohibited from-- (A) accessing United States ports and using port services; (B) traveling through the United States territorial sea unless it is conducting innocent passage; and (C) delivering or receiving supplies or services, or transshipment, within waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, unless such prohibition would be inconsistent with customary international law. (2) Servicing prohibited.--No vessel of the United States may service a foreign vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, except in an emergency involving life and safety or to facilitate enforcement. (3) Imports prohibited.--The import of seafood or seafood products caught, processed, or transported by foreign vessels on the IUU vessel list is prohibited and shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of section 606. (4) Fishing treaties and agreements.--It should be a priority for United States delegations to-- (A) advocate for the incorporation of articles in international fishery management organizations providing identical or similar safeguards described in this section in new and updated bilateral or multilateral fishing treaties; and (B) encourage parties to international and regional fisheries organizations that the United States is party to, or holds observer status, to take similar measures described in this section. (e) Enforcement of Black List (IUU Vessel List).-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list and the cargo of such vessel shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States in the same manner as merchandise is forfeited for violation of the customs revenue laws. (2) Exception.--The cargo of seafood of a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list shall not be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States if the cargo of seafood is in the possession of an importer who has paid for the cargo of seafood and did not know, or did not have any reason to know, that the seafood was the product of IUU fishing. (f) Permanency of Black List (IUU Vessel List).-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) through (4), a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet that is put on the IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list. (2) Revocation of wro.--The Secretary shall remove a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list if the foreign vessel was added to the IUU vessel list because it was found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to have had a withhold release order or a finding issued pursuant to section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307) and the withhold release order was subsequently revoked. (3) Application by owner for potential removal.-- (A) In general.--In consultation with the Secretary of State and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Secretary may remove a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list if the beneficial owner of the foreign vessel submits an application for removal to the Secretary that meets the standards that the Secretary has set out for removal. (B) Standards.--The Secretary shall include in the standards set out for removal a determination that the foreign vessel or foreign vessel owner has not engaged in IUU fishing or fishing that involves the use of forced labor during the 5-year period preceding the date of the application for removal. The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall determine whether each application for removal demonstrates that sufficient corrective action has been taken to remediate the violations and infractions that led to the inclusion on the IUU vessel list. (C) Consideration of relevant information.--In considering an application for removal, the Secretary shall consider relevant information from all sources. (4) Removal due to international fishery management organization action.--The Secretary may remove a foreign vessel from the IUU vessel list if the foreign vessel was put on the list because it was a foreign vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization, pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A), and the international fishery management organization removed the foreign vessel from its IUU vessel list. (g) Regulations and Process.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Secretary shall issue regulations to set a process for establishing, maintaining, implementing, and publishing the IUU vessel list. The Administrator may add or remove a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list on the date the foreign vessel becomes eligible for such addition or removal. (h) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise provided, the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the designee of the Administrator. (2) Beneficial owner.--The term ``beneficial owner'' means, with respect to a vessel, a person that, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise-- (A) exercises substantial control over the vessel; or (B) owns not less than 50 percent of the ownership interests in the vessel. (3) Forced labor.--The term ``forced labor'' has the meaning given that term in section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307). (4) Foreign vessel.--The term ``foreign vessel'' has the meaning given the term in section 110 of title 46, United States Code. (5) International fishery management organization.--The term ``international fishery management organization'' means an international organization established by any bilateral or multilateral treaty, convention, or agreement for the conservation and management of fish. (6) IUU fishing.--The term ``IUU fishing'' means activities described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, or unregulated fishing in paragraph 3 of the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, adopted at the 24th Session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome on March 2, 2001. (7) Seafood.--The term ``seafood'' means fish, shellfish, processed fish, fish meal, shellfish products, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals and birds. (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030. (1) * * * (2) * * * (3) * * * (4) * * * * * * * * * * MARITIME SAFE ACT * * * * * * * DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS * * * * * * * TITLE XXXV--MARITIME MATTERS * * * * * * * Subtitle C--Maritime SAFE Act * * * * * * * PART II--ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON IUU FISHING [16 U.S.C. 8031(c)] SEC. 3551. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON IUU FISHING. (a) * * * (b) * * * (c) Responsibilities.--The Working Group shall ensure an integrated, Federal Government-wide response to IUU fishing globally, including by-- (1) improving the coordination of Federal agencies to identify, interdict, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle IUU fishing operations and organizations perpetrating and knowingly benefitting from IUU fishing; (2) assessing areas for increased interagency information sharing on matters related to IUU fishing and related crimes; (3) establishing standards for information sharing related to maritime enforcement; (4) maximizing the utility of the import data collected by the members of the Working Group by harmonizing data standards and entry fields; (5) developing a strategy to determine how military assets and intelligence can contribute to enforcement strategies to combat IUU fishing; (6) increasing maritime domain awareness relating to IUU fishing and related crimes and developing a strategy to leverage awareness for enhanced enforcement and prosecution actions against IUU fishing; (7) supporting the adoption and implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement in relevant countries and assessing the capacity and training needs in such countries; (8) outlining a strategy to coordinate, increase, and use shiprider agreements between the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard and relevant countries; (9) enhancing cooperation with partner governments to combat IUU fishing; (10) identifying opportunities for increased information sharing between Federal agencies and partner governments working to combat IUU fishing; (11) consulting and coordinating with the seafood industry and nongovernmental stakeholders that work to combat IUU fishing; (12) supporting the work of collaborative international initiatives to make available certified data from state authorities about vessel and vessel- related activities related to IUU fishing; (13) supporting the identification and certification procedures to address IUU fishing in accordance with the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826d et seq.); [and] (14) publishing annual reports summarizing nonsensitive information about the Working Group's efforts to investigate, enforce, and prosecute groups and individuals engaging in IUU fishing[.]; (15) developing a strategy for leveraging enforcement capacity against IUU fishing, particularly focusing on nations identified under section 609(a) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826j(a)); and (16) developing a strategy for leveraging enforcement capacity against associated abuses, such as fishing that involves the use of forced labor and other illegal labor practices, and increasing enforcement and other actions across relevant import control and assessment programs, using as resources-- (A) the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor produced pursuant to section 105 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (22 U.S.C. 7112); (B) the Trafficking in Persons Report required under section 110 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7107); (C) United States Customs and Border Protection's Forced Labor Division and enforcement activities and regulations authorized under section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307); and (D) reports submitted under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (22 U.S.C. 6901 note). (d) The Impacts of IUU Fishing and Fishing Involving the Use of Forced Labor.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with relevant members of the Working Group, shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies will undertake a multifaceted study that includes the following: (A) An analysis that quantifies the occurrence and extent of IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor among all flag states. (B) An evaluation of the costs to the United States economy of IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor. (C) An assessment of the costs to the global economy of IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor. (D) An assessment of the effectiveness of response strategies to counter IUU fishing, including both domestic programs and foreign capacity-building and partnering programs. (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $4,000,000. SEC. 3552. STRATEGIC PLAN. (a) Strategic Plan.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this title, the Working Group, after consultation with the relevant stakeholders, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a 5-year integrated strategic plan on combating IUU fishing and enhancing maritime security, including specific strategies with monitoring benchmarks for addressing IUU fishing in priority regions. (b) Identification of Priority Regions and Priority Flag States.-- (1) In general.--The strategic plan submitted under subsection (a) shall identify priority regions and priority flag states to be the focus of assistance coordinated by the Working Group under section 3551. (2) Priority region selection criteria.--In selecting priority regions under paragraph (1), the Working Group shall select regions that-- (A) are at high risk for IUU fishing activity or the entry of illegally caught seafood into their markets; and (B) lack the capacity to fully address the issues described in subparagraph (A). (3) Priority flag states selection criteria.--In selecting priority flag states under paragraph (1), the Working Group shall select countries-- (A) the flagged vessels of which actively engage in, knowingly profit from, or are complicit in IUU fishing; and (B) that lack the capacity to police their fleet. (c) Strategies To Optimize Data Collection, Sharing, and Analysis.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Working Group shall identify information and resources to prevent fish and fish products from IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor from entering United States commerce without increasing burden or trade barriers on seafood not produced from IUU fishing. The report shall include the following: (1) Identification of relevant data streams collected by Working Group members. (2) Identification of legal, jurisdictional, or other barriers to the sharing of such data. (3) In consultation with the Secretary of Defense, recommendations for joint enforcement protocols, collaboration, and information sharing between Federal agencies and States. (4) Recommendations for sharing and developing forensic resources between Federal agencies and States. (5) Recommendations for enhancing capacity for United States Customs and Border Protection and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct more effective field investigations and enforcement efforts with U.S. state enforcement officials. (6) Recommendations for improving data collection and automated risk-targeting of seafood imports within the United States International Trade Data System and Automated Commercial Environment. (7) Recommendations for the dissemination of IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor analysis and information to those governmental and non-governmental entities that could use it for action and awareness, with the aim to establish an IUU fishing information sharing center. (8) Recommendations for an implementation strategy, including measures for ensuring that trade in seafood not linked to IUU fishing and forced labor is not impeded. (9) An analysis of the IUU fishing policies and regulatory regimes of other countries in order to develop policy and regulatory alternatives for United States consideration. * * * * * * * NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM ACT * * * * * * * TITLE II--NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM * * * * * * * [33 U.S.C. 1131(a)] SEC. 212. [33 U.S.C. 1131] AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) Authorization.-- (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out [this title--] this title $105,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031. [(A) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2021; [(B) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2022; [(C) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2023; [(D) $101,325,000 for fiscal year 2024; and [(E) $105,700,000 for fiscal year 2025.] (2) Priority activities [for fiscal years 2021 through 2025].--In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of [fiscal years 2021 through 2025] fiscal years 2026 through 2031 for competitive grants for the following: (A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. (B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. (C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. (D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and United States working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). (E) University research and extension on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. (F) Fishery research and extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. (b) * * * (c) * * * (d) * * *
Source: S. Rept. 119-101 · govinfo
Action History
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Introduced in Senate
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
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Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment. With written report No. 119-101.
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Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment. With written report No. 119-101.
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Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 313.
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Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S1496-1503)
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The committee amendment withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
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Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
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Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S1500-1503)
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Message on Senate action sent to the House.
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Received in the House.
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Held at the desk.
Sponsors
- Dan Sullivan · Primary
- Sheldon Whitehouse · Cosponsor
- Lisa Murkowski · Cosponsor
- Roger F. Wicker · Cosponsor
- Lindsey Graham · Cosponsor
- Jeff Merkley · Cosponsor
- Lisa Blunt Rochester · Cosponsor
- Christopher A. Coons · Cosponsor
- John Kennedy · Cosponsor
- Cindy Hyde-Smith · Cosponsor
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 9 co-sponsors · 537 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Sullivan, Dan Republican
Co-sponsors (9)
- Whitehouse, Sheldon Democratic
- Murkowski, Lisa Republican
- Wicker, Roger F. Republican
- Graham, Lindsey Republican
- Merkley, Jeff Democratic
- Blunt Rochester, Lisa Democratic
- Coons, Christopher A. Democratic
- Kennedy, John Republican
- Hyde-Smith, Cindy Republican
Not signed on (537)
537 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 537 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- Who sponsors S 688?
- S 688 is sponsored by Sullivan, Dan (Republican), Whitehouse, Sheldon (Democratic), Murkowski, Lisa (Republican), Wicker, Roger F. (Republican), Graham, Lindsey (Republican), Merkley, Jeff (Democratic), Blunt Rochester, Lisa (Democratic), Coons, Christopher A. (Democratic), Kennedy, John (Republican), and Hyde-Smith, Cindy (Republican).
- What is the current status of S 688?
- This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 24, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
- Where can I track S 688?
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