Sponsors (10)
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Creates a U.S. program to detect, block, and deter seafood caught through illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and seafood produced with forced or exploitative labor. The bill directs federal agencies to build public tools and lists naming foreign vessels, fleets, and beneficial owners involved in IUU or forced-labor fishing; expand enforcement and Coast Guard high-seas activity; require plans and public reporting on data, detection, and information sharing; fund studies and capacity-building; and authorize limited funding to implement these measures. Requires an interagency approach: a strengthened Interagency Working Group must produce analysis and implementation plans (including an IUU information sharing capability and automated risk-targeting), NOAA and Commerce must publish a forced-labor detection plan and run the public listing program (with rulemaking and annual funding), and the Coast Guard and diplomatic channels must step up enforcement and partner engagement. The law includes definitional clarifications, exceptions for certain activities, and protections to avoid changing other existing laws unless explicitly stated.
This bill strengthens U.S. efforts to detect and exclude illegally caught or forced‑labor seafood—improving consumer protection, sustainability, and enforcement capacity—but it does so at measurable fiscal and administrative cost and with risks of trade disruption, diplomatic friction, privacy harms
U.S. consumers and businesses will have greater protection from illegally caught and forced‑labor seafood because the bill funds screening, definitions tied to the Tariff Act, public listings, and supply‑chain transparency.
Commercial, artisanal, and coastal fishing communities stand to benefit from stronger international enforcement and prevention of IUU fishing that helps stabilize fish stocks and long‑term seafood supplies.
U.S. fishermen and domestic seafood businesses could gain fairer competition and economic relief as illegal imports are detected and excluded, reducing downward pressure on prices and wages.
U.S. taxpayers will likely bear significant new costs (studies, program implementation, Coast Guard/NOAA operations, diplomatic engagement), including up to $10M/year for the listing program and other added expenditures.
More inspections, public listings, trade restrictions, and stricter import controls could raise compliance costs, slow imports, and lead to higher consumer prices or temporary seafood shortages for U.S. buyers.
Administrative burdens and new reporting, rulemaking, and coordination requirements may divert agency staff and resources from other domestic programs or missions.
Introduced February 24, 2025 by Daniel Scott Sullivan · Last progress March 24, 2026