S.283 - Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.283, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and the Administrator of NOAA to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of seafood, specifically red snapper and tuna. This methodology aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide technical assistance to other nations in combating IUU fishing and transnational organized crime.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved enforcement against illegal fishing by enabling better identification of seafood origin. This could result in reduced IUU fishing activities and a more level playing field for legitimate fishers. Additionally, the technical assistance provided to other nations could strengthen international cooperation in combating IUU fishing.
Potential Benefits
- Improved ability to identify the origin of seafood, helping to combat illegal fishing.
- Support for sustainable fishing practices and conservation of fish stocks.
- Potential for increased consumer confidence in the seafood supply chain.
- Strengthened international cooperation in combating IUU fishing.
- Potential for increased revenue for legitimate fishing businesses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with developing and implementing the new methodology.
- Possible delays in seafood processing due to the need for origin testing.
- Risk of errors or inaccuracies in the origin identification process.
- Potential for increased burden on businesses to comply with the new regulations.
- Possible international tensions if the US is perceived as unfairly targeting certain countries.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating international trade and ensuring fair competition in the seafood market. The authorization for the Secretary of Defense to provide technical assistance to other nations falls under the powers granted to Congress and the Executive Branch regarding foreign policy and national defense. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).