The Pew Charitable Trusts has commended US lawmakers for passing a bill that aims to strengthen international fisheries conservation and stop vessels suspected of illegal fishing from selling their catch on the domestic market.
The legislation implements the international Port State Measures Agreement, which requires signatory nations to deny entry and services to ships that have fished illegally and to share information about them with international partners.
Tony Long, who directs Pew’s campaign to end illegal fishing, said: “The US is a major fish importer and home to some of the world’s most well-managed fisheries, but global illegal fishing activities force US fishermen to compete on an uneven playing field.”
“This legislation further supports combating overfishing around the world and provides stiffer enforcement against those who break the law.”
The Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 was first introduced back in July.
