S.688 - Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025; FISH Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025 (FISH Act) aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and associated activities like forced labor on a global scale. The bill mandates the creation of a "black list" of foreign vessels engaged in IUU fishing, imposing sanctions on listed vessels and individuals. It also encourages international cooperation and provides resources for technical assistance to improve fisheries management in other countries.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of seafood imports and stricter enforcement against foreign vessels engaged in IUU fishing. This could result in a reduction of illegally harvested seafood entering the U.S. market and improved labor practices within the fishing industry globally. The Act also aims to bolster the US's international standing by promoting sustainable fishing practices and combating human rights abuses.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced IUU fishing and associated environmental damage.
- Combating forced labor and human trafficking in the fishing industry.
- Enhanced sustainability of global fish stocks.
- Improved competitiveness for U.S. fishermen who adhere to regulations.
- Strengthened international cooperation on fisheries management.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs of seafood imports due to stricter enforcement.
- Possible trade disputes with countries whose vessels are blacklisted.
- Increased administrative burden on government agencies to implement and enforce the Act.
- Risk of unintended consequences for legitimate fishing operations.
- Potential for retaliatory measures from foreign nations.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating international trade and preventing unfair competition from illegally harvested seafood. The Act's provisions against forced labor also align with the Thirteenth Amendment, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude. The Act also empowers the executive branch to impose sanctions, which is consistent with the President's foreign policy powers.
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).