Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
In Committee
Summary
Prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by expanding U.S. diplomatic pressure and sanctions on foreign actors and vessels, with specific emphasis on activities linked to the People’s Republic of China. The bill would direct the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate international engagement, push for deployment of advanced maritime enforcement technologies, and press the United Nations for stronger global action.
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- Foreign persons and vessels would face targeted sanctions if found responsible for or complicit in IUU fishing or illegal trade in endangered species. Sanctions include blocking of property under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, visa ineligibility or revocation, denial of port access, prohibitions on loans by U.S. financial institutions, and limits on foreign-exchange transactions.
- U.S. agencies would gain specific authorities to implement sanctions and to write rules for enforcement. The bill authorizes use of IEEPA tools and ties civil and criminal penalties to those authorities.
- Congress would receive oversight and analysis with a briefing within 90 days, an initial sanctions report within 1 year, and annual unclassified reports for four years assessing global IUU patterns, recommended maritime law enforcement agreements, and the People’s Republic of China’s role in IUU fishing.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
U.S. diplomatic push against illegal fishing
If enacted, the bill would direct the Secretary of State, Commerce, and Homeland Security to press allies and international forums to deploy advanced maritime enforcement technology against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. If enacted, it would let the President instruct the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. to push for stronger collective action. If enacted, the Secretary of State would send a report to Congress within one year and then annually for four years on IUU fishing patterns, China’s activities, and a U.S. engagement strategy. If enacted, the Secretary would also brief Congress within 90 days on bilateral efforts and cooperation with NGOs and local partners.
Sanctions for foreign illegal fishing
If enacted, the bill would let the President impose sanctions on foreign people and vessels found responsible for or complicit in IUU fishing or illegal trade in endangered species. If enacted, possible measures would include blocking property, visa bans and revocations, denial of U.S. port access, bans on loans by U.S. banks to designated parties, and limits on certain foreign‑exchange transactions. If enacted, federal agencies could write rules under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and penalties for violations would mirror IEEPA penalties. If enacted, the bill would carve out exceptions for authorized intelligence and law‑enforcement activities, required diplomatic admissions, crew safety and maintenance supplies, and most food, medicine, and humanitarian aid (but not food or commodities obtained through IUU fishing). If enacted, the President must report on sanctions to Congress within one year and annually thereafter.
Who counts as U.S. or foreign
If enacted, the bill would define key terms used to apply its authorities. If enacted, a 'United States person' would include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, entities organized under U.S. law (including foreign branches), and any person located in the United States. If enacted, a 'foreign person' would mean anyone who is not a United States person. If enacted, the bill would define illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing by reference to the FAO International Plan of Action (March 2, 2001). These definitions would take effect upon enactment and determine who can be designated or sanctioned.
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.
View on Congress.gov