Pledging
These are the original issues in this subcategory
- LONGLINE FISHING
- BYCATCH
- ILLEGAL FISHING
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing accounts for at least 25% of all global catches each year. IUU fishing includes catching undersized fish, fishing in closed waters or taking more fish than allowed. Coastal nations have exclusive economic zones in which offshore fishing is prohibited. International agreements also prohibit the fishing of protected species on the high seas. However, advocates say there is little enforcement or punishment for illegal fishing operations. Much of the damage to fisheries is caused by fleets of large international commercial fishing trawlers. Advocates say most of these large fishing operations abide by the law, but many others fish without licenses, use illegal fishing gear, conceal their identities and fail to report catches. These distant-water fishing fleets use modern technology to pursue and catch fish in virtually every part of every ocean. These ships offload their catch onto large processing vessels which process, freeze and transport huge quantities of fish, allowing trawlers to continue fishing nearly non-stop. Some call commercial fishing operations “the last buffalo hunt,” with too many fishing boats chasing a dwindling number of fish that have no place to hide.
Our State Dept. reports that China is the world’s worst perpetrator of IUU fishing, operating the largest distant-water fishing fleet of at least 1,600-3,400 ships, and perhaps many more. It noted a significant increase in illegal fishing by Chinese-flagged vessels within the exclusive economic zones of other countries in almost every region of the world. Advocates say the Chinese ships are taking advantage of weak enforcement and supervision from local and Chinese authorities - to the detriment of local fishermen and the environment. Many millions of people throughout the world depend on fisheries for employment, sustenance and recreation. Advocates say if there is to be enough fish for current and future generations, everyone involved in fishing must help conserve and manage the world’s fisheries at sustainable levels.
Pending Legislation: S.688 - FISH Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Dan Sullivan (AK)
Status: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Chair: Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)
Our State Dept. reports that China is the world’s worst perpetrator of IUU fishing, operating the largest distant-water fishing fleet of at least 1,600-3,400 ships, and perhaps many more. It noted a significant increase in illegal fishing by Chinese-flagged vessels within the exclusive economic zones of other countries in almost every region of the world. Advocates say the Chinese ships are taking advantage of weak enforcement and supervision from local and Chinese authorities - to the detriment of local fishermen and the environment. Many millions of people throughout the world depend on fisheries for employment, sustenance and recreation. Advocates say if there is to be enough fish for current and future generations, everyone involved in fishing must help conserve and manage the world’s fisheries at sustainable levels.
Pending Legislation: S.688 - FISH Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Dan Sullivan (AK)
Status: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Chair: Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)
- I oppose reforming current illegal fishing policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader John Thune (SD).
- I support combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing globally by: 1.) Establishing a system to create and maintain a "blacklist" of foreign vessels that are involved in IUU fishing, with criteria including exceeding catch limits or using forced labor. 2.) Prohibiting vessels on the blacklist from accessing U.S. ports or importing seafood into the U.S. 3.) Imposing sanctions on individuals and entities involved in IUU fishing, such as blocking property transactions or revoking visas. 4.) Promoting increased cooperation with other nations and international organizations to combat IUU fishing. 5.) Mandating improved data collection and sharing, and enhancing enforcement measures to prevent illegal seafood from entering the U.S. market. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
- I support combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing globally by:
1.) Establishing a system to create and maintain a "blacklist" of foreign vessels that are involved in IUU fishing, with criteria including exceeding catch limits or using forced labor.
2.) Prohibiting vessels on the blacklist from accessing U.S. ports or importing seafood into the U.S.
3.) Imposing sanctions on individuals and entities involved in IUU fishing, such as blocking property transactions or revoking visas.
4.) Promoting increased cooperation with other nations and international organizations to combat IUU fishing.
5.) Mandating improved data collection and sharing, and enhancing enforcement measures to prevent illegal seafood from entering the U.S. market.
And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
You May Pledge Your Support For This Issue With A Monetary
Donation And By Writing A Letter To Your Representatives
Donation And By Writing A Letter To Your Representatives
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Pledge Period - Opening Date
February 2, 2026 @00:01 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)
Pledge Period - Closing Date
February 8, 2026 @23:59 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)
Trustee Election - Begins
February 9, 2026