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119-s-1369119th CongressWALLET

Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

In Committee

Summary

illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is the target of this bill. It gives the U.S. tools to punish foreign actors and steps up diplomacy, maritime enforcement, and international reporting to stop illegal fishing and related trade in endangered species.

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  • Foreign vessels, owners, operators, and anyone who materially aids IUU fishing can face sanctions such as asset blocking, visa bans, denial of U.S. port access, bans on loans from U.S. banks, and limits on foreign exchange transactions.
  • The Departments of State, Commerce, and Homeland Security must lead international engagement and deploy maritime law enforcement technology with allies. The bill creates an interagency working group and requires the Secretary of State to report within one year and then annually for four years.
  • U.S. policy is to prioritize cooperation with allies and international institutions and to focus on the People’s Republic of China by assessing China’s IUU fishing patterns and resources and urging stronger U.N. action.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Diplomatic push and annual illegal fishing reports

If enacted, the bill would direct State, Commerce, and Homeland Security to work with allies and international bodies to counter illegal fishing and to deploy maritime enforcement technology. The President could ask the U.S. Representative to the U.N. to press for stronger U.N. action. The Secretary of State would brief specified congressional committees within 90 days, and would submit an unclassified report within one year and then yearly for four years, including assessments of China-linked fishing activity and recommendations to strengthen law enforcement cooperation.

Sanctions and visa bans for illegal fishing

If enacted, the bill would let the U.S. block property and ban financial transactions by foreign people and ships tied to illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing. The Treasury could recommend targets after consulting State, Commerce, and Interior, and the President could use IEEPA authorities to stop loans, foreign-exchange deals, and other transactions. The bill would also make certain corporate officers and controlling shareholders of designated foreign entities ineligible for U.S. visas and subject to visa revocation. It would allow narrow exceptions for intelligence, law enforcement, vessel safety, and humanitarian shipments of food and medicine, but not for food or agricultural commodities taken from illegal fishing.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

    LA • R

    Sponsored 4/9/2025

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/9/2025

  • Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]

    UT • R

    Sponsored 4/9/2025

  • Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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