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Congress·Reported·about 1 month ago

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Sanction Foreign Vessels and Companies Behind Illegal Fishing

Also known as: Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • Gives the President the option to sanction foreign people, companies, or vessels tied to illegal fishing or trafficking in endangered species.
  • Possible penalties include freezing property tied to the U.S., blocking certain money and foreign-exchange deals, and cutting off loans from U.S. banks.
  • Foreign individuals linked to these activities could be denied U.S. visas or have visas revoked; foreign vessels could be turned away from U.S. ports.
  • Directs the State Department to push allies and international groups to use newer tech and cooperation to catch and hold violators accountable, with a focus on China’s role.
  • Requires briefings and yearly reports to Congress on progress, including how global efforts are working and what more the U.S. should do.
National Security Foreign PolicyEnergy Environment

Milestones

4 milestones5 actions
Feb 10, 2026Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 322.

Feb 10, 2026Senate

Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Jan 29, 2026Senate

Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Apr 9, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Apr 9, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Annual reports on illegal fishing sanctions and China's fishing activities begin being submitted to Congress

Congress will start receiving detailed assessments of global illegal fishing, which could shape future enforcement actions and diplomatic pressure — but this has no direct immediate effect on everyday Americans.

Related News

3 articles
SeafoodSource·28 days ago

US Senate committee advances Protecting Global Fisheries Act

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, which gives the president authority to sanction foreign persons or vessels involved in illegal fishing. The bill specifically targets China as a major perpetrator of IUU fishing violations.

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SeafoodSource·11 months ago

US lawmakers reintroduce bill tackling IUU fishing

Senators Tim Kaine and Bill Cassidy reintroduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The bill authorizes sanctions on foreign entities and requires regular briefings to Congress on enforcement strategies.

C=
Utah Policy·about 1 month ago

Curtis bills to protect alliances, combat China advance

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, co-led by Senator John Curtis. The legislation authorizes targeted sanctions to counter illegal fishing, which the lawmakers say China systematically engages in to the detriment of marine ecosystems.

CR+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 1369
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 322.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 1R: 3

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.