Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Tim Kaine have introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act to address the challenges posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This issue is particularly significant for Louisiana, a major player in seafood harvesting, importing, and consumption. IUU fishing practices create unfair competition for fishermen who adhere to international laws and disrupt various aspects of global trade and security.

Dr. Cassidy highlighted the local impact of these practices: “Illegal fishing practices abroad threaten Louisiana. Seafood production is a driver of our economy and way of life.” He emphasized that tackling this issue would help preserve jobs, protect economies, strengthen national security, and safeguard marine habitats.

Senator Kaine echoed these concerns regarding the broader implications on security and conservation: “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has devastating consequences on global security, our economy—including Virginia’s seafood industry—and marine conservation efforts.” He pointed out that China is a significant violator of IUU fishing laws and called for a coordinated international response. The proposed legislation aims to deter such activities by holding offenders accountable.

The scope of IUU fishing includes violations such as unauthorized fishing without licenses, failing to report catches accurately, using banned gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers at sea. This practice poses a considerable challenge in the Western Hemisphere with annual losses estimated at nearly $2.7 billion in revenue. Illegal Chinese vessels are noted as major contributors to this rise in IUU fishing both regionally and globally.

The Protecting Global Fisheries Act seeks to implement measures to combat these challenges effectively.