United States 119th Congress Status: Passed Senate Bipartisan · 6 R · 4 D cosponsors

S 688 — Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025

Last action — Held at the desk.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

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 chance

Based 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

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence
  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 10 sponsors

    1 primary, 9 co-sponsors signed on.

  • 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 removed

Plain-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.

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688 Reported in Senate (RS)] <DOC> Calendar No.
688 Engrossed in Senate (ES)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
313 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
688 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To 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, 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.
(5) IUU fishing.--The term ``IUU fishing'' means activities described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, and 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.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A BLACK LIST (IUU VESSEL LIST).
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IUU VESSEL LIST.
``(c) Black List (IUU Vessel List).-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of U.S.
``(c) IUU Vessel List.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of 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 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 vessel):
``(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 vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization.
``(A) A foreign vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an international fishery management organization.
``(B) A vessel knowingly taking part in fishing that undermines the effectiveness of an international fishery management 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.
``(C) A 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 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.
``(D) A vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet on the high seas identified by United States authorities to be conducting IUU fishing.
Customs and Border Protection pursuant to section 307 of the Tariff Act of (19 U.S.C.
``(E) A vessel that knowingly provides services (excluding emergency or enforcement services) to a vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, including transshipment, resupply, refueling, or pilotage.
1307) or any other U.S.
``(F) A 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.
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 a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list at the time of the infraction.
``(G) A vessel that has the same beneficial owner as another 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.
``(3) Nominations to be put on the iuu vessel list.--The Secretary may receive nominations for putting a 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.
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.).
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``(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.--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.
``(4) Procedures for addition.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may put a vessel on the IUU vessel list only after notification to the 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.
``(B) Hearing.--A beneficial owner may request a hearing on the evidence if the owner's vessel is placed on the IUU vessel list under subparagraph (A) and may present new evidence to the Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing described in paragraph (3)(A).
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:
Such Working Group shall review the new evidence and vote on whether the vessel shall remain on the IUU vessel list or not.
``(A) The name of the foreign vessel and previous names of the foreign vessel.
``(5) Public information.--The Secretary shall publish its procedures for adding vessels on, and removing vessels from, the IUU vessel list.
``(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).
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 vessel is added to the IUU vessel list, and include the following information (as much as is available and confirmed) for each vessel on the IUU vessel list:
``(C) The maritime mobile service identity number and call sign of the foreign vessel.
``(A) The name of the vessel and previous names of the vessel.
``(D) The business or corporate address of each beneficial owner of the foreign vessel.
``(B) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) number of the vessel, or other Unique Vessel Identifier (such as the flag state permit number or authorized vessel number issued by an international fishery management organization).
``(E) The country where the foreign vessel is registered or documented, and where it was previously registered if known.
``(C) The maritime mobile service identity number and call sign of the vessel.
``(F) The date of inclusion on the IUU vessel list of the foreign vessel.
``(D) The business or corporate address of each beneficial owner of the 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.
``(H) Any other identifying information on the 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).
``(I) The basis for the Secretary's inclusion of the 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;
``(d) Action.--The Secretary may take the action described in subsection (c)(2) of this section in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of against a vessel on the IUU vessel list, the owner of such vessel, and the operator of such vessel.
``(B) traveling through the United States territorial sea unless it is conducting innocent passage;
``(e) Permanency of IUU Vessel List.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet that is put on the IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list.
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) Application by owner for potential removal.-- ``(A) In general.--In consultation with the Secretary of State and the heads of other relevant agencies, the Secretary may remove a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet from the IUU vessel list if the beneficial owner of the vessel submits an application for removal to the Secretary that meets the standards that the Secretary has set out for removal.
``(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.
The Secretary shall make such standards publicly available.
``(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.
``(B) Consideration of relevant information.--In considering an application for removal, the Secretary shall consider relevant information from all sources.
``(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;
``(3) Removal due to international fishery management organization action.--The Secretary may remove a vessel from the IUU vessel list if the vessel was put on the list because it was a 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 vessel from its IUU vessel list.
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.
``(f) 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.
``(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.
The Administrator may add or remove a vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet from the IUU vessel list on the date the vessel becomes eligible for such addition or removal.
``(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.
``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
``(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) Forced labor.--The term `forced labor' has the meaning given that term in section 307 of the Tariff Act of (19 U.S.C.
``(3) Foreign vessel.--The term `foreign vessel' has the meaning given the term in section 110 of title 46, United States Code).
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) Foreign vessel.--The term `foreign vessel' has the meaning given the term in section 110 of title 46, United States Code.
``(5) IUU fishing.--The term `IUU fishing' has the meaning given the term `illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing' in the implementing regulations or any subsequent regulations issued pursuant to section 609(e).
``(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) 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.
``(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.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''.
``(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.''.
IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.
VISA SANCTIONS FOR FOREIGN PERSONS.
(a) Authorization for Sanctions.--The Secretary of the Treasury may impose the measures described in subsection (b) with respect to-- (1) any foreign person or foreign vessel, regardless of ownership, that the Secretary of the Treasury determines has participated in-- (A) the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer (including transportation) of a fish species that is an endangered species, as defined in section of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
(a) Foreign Persons Described.--A foreign person is described in this subsection if the foreign person is the owner or beneficial owner of a vessel on the IUU vessel list developed under section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
1532), directly or indirectly;
1826i(c)).
or (B) IUU fishing;
(b) Ineligibility for Visas, Admission, or Parole.-- (1) Visas, admission, or parole.--A foreign person described in subsection (a) is-- (A) inadmissible to the United States;
(2) a leader or official of an entity that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, any of the activities described in paragraph (1);
(B) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States;
(3) an entity determined to have owned, operated, chartered, or controlled a vessel whose personnel are engaged in the activities described in paragraph (1) at a time period relating to the activities;
and (C) 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.
(4) an entity that commits any action described in section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
et seq.).
1826i) as a basis to be put on the IUU vessel list under such section;
(2) Current visas revoked.-- (A) 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.
and (5) an entity that has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, a foreign person or foreign vessel described in paragraph (1).
(B) Immediate effect.--A revocation under subparagraph (A) shall, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
(b) Sanctions Described.--The sanctions to be imposed under subsection (a) are the following:
1201(i))-- (i) take effect;
(1) Blocking of property.--Notwithstanding section 202 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
and (ii) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the person's possession.
1701), the exercise of all powers granted to the President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
(c) National Interest Waiver.--The President may waive the imposition of sanctions under this section with respect to a foreign person if doing so is in the national interest of the United States.
1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in all property and interests in property of a foreign person or entity described in subsection (a) including, to the extent appropriate, the vessel of which the person is the 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 a United States person.
(d) 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) 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) 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.
(2) Exception to comply with international agreements.-- Sanctions under subsection (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 this section 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.
(3) Exception for safety of vessels and crew.--Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to a person providing provisions to a vessel identified under section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
(4) Humanitarian exception.--The President may not impose sanctions under this section with respect to any person or entity for conducting or facilitating a transaction for the sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical devices or for the provision of humanitarian assistance.
(4) Exemptions.--Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to a person described in subsection (a), if such person was listed as the owner of a vessel described in that subsection through the use of force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.
(f) Rulemaking.-- (1) In general.--The President is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section (which may include regulatory exceptions), including under section 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
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.
(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 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, 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.
(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 High Seas Fishing Compliance Agreement and the Port State Measures Agreement, 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, 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, such as the practice of transshipment, flags of convenience vessels, and government subsidies of the distant water fishing industry.
The bilateral and multilateral initiatives should address underlying drivers of IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor.
(c) Transparency for Non-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.
(c) Transparency for Non-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, 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.
(a) Increase Boarding of Vessels Suspected of IUU Fishing.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall strive 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.--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.
(b) Follow up.--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 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 (22 U.S.C.
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 relevant enforcement, 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 U.S.C.
and ``(D) reports submitted under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-145).''.
6901 note).''.
``(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.
``(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 negatively affecting United States commerce without increasing burdens 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.
``(5) Recommendations for enhancing capacity to conduct more effective field investigations and enforcement efforts with U.S.
``(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.
``(6) Recommendations for improving data collection and automated risk-targeting of seafood.
``(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.
``(8) Recommendations for an implementation strategy, including measures for ensuring that seafood not linked to IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor is not affected.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of 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 forced labor.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies, 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.
(b) Analysis of 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.
PREVENTING IMPORTATION OF SEAFOOD AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS FROM FOREIGN VESSELS USING FORCED LABOR.
STRATEGY TO IDENTIFY SEAFOOD AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS FROM FOREIGN VESSELS USING FORCED LABOR.
The Commissioner of U.S.
The Secretary, in coordination with the heads of 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 Protection, in coordination with the Secretary shall-- (1) develop a strategy for utilizing relevant United States Government data to identify imports of seafood harvested on foreign vessels using forced labor;
and (2) publish information regarding the strategy developed under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible website.
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 Commerce 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 seafood importers, processors, and consumers;
(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 Commerce, 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 interests;
(c) Fishermen Conducting Unlawful Fishing in the Economic Exclusion Zone.--Section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
(c) Fishermen Conducting Unlawful Fishing in the Exclusive Economic 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) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000.''.
1131(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``this title'' and all that follows and inserting ``this title $105,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031.'';
1131(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``for fiscal year 2025'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031'';
Calendar No.
SEC.
313 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
14.
688 [Report No.
EXCEPTION RELATED TO THE IMPORTATION OF GOODS.
119-101] _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.
(a) In General.--The authorities and requirements provided in this Act, and the amendments made by this 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.
_______________________________________________________________________ February 3, 2026 Reported with an amendment
(b) Good Defined.--In this section, the term ``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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What Congress says this changes

S. Rept. 119-101

Published 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

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

  3. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

  4. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment. With written report No. 119-101.

  5. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment. With written report No. 119-101.

  6. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 313.

  7. Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S1496-1503)

  8. The committee amendment withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.

  9. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

  10. Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S1500-1503)

  11. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  12. Received in the House.

  13. Held at the desk.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 9 co-sponsors · 537 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (9)

Not signed on (537)

537 members have not signed on to this bill.

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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.
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