Chairman Babin Applauds House Passage of Science-Based Illegal Fishing Legislation
(Washington, D.C.) – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin issued the following statement following House passage of S. 283, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, as amended. The House-passed legislation incorporates provisions from H.R. 3706, the Standards for Understanding Source and Habitat Identification Act, introduced by Chairman Babin, to develop a science-based methodology for identifying the country of origin of seafood and strengthen enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and seafood fraud.
"From the Gulf Coast of Texas to fishing communities across the country, American fishermen and seafood producers work hard to follow the rules and provide safe, high-quality seafood to consumers," said Chairman Babin. "Red snapper is especially important to Gulf Coast communities, and our fishermen should not have to compete with illegally harvested seafood entering American markets. This legislation will give law enforcement another science-based tool to identify where seafood comes from and combat illegal fishing and seafood fraud. By leveling the playing field for American fishermen, we can strengthen our coastal communities, support our fishing economy, and ensure those who play by the rules are not undercut. I’m proud to see the House advance this commonsense legislation and look forward to getting it across the finish line."
Legislation Highlights:
- Directs key federal agencies to jointly develop a standard methodology, based on chemical analysis, to identify the country of origin of seafood and support enforcement against IUU fishing and seafood fraud.
- Requires the methodology to meet the needs of federal and state law enforcement, minimize processing time, and use a portable field kit that can be carried by one person.
- Requires pilot studies using red snapper and tuna to test the methodology across both stationary and highly migratory fish stocks.
- Directs agencies, to the extent practicable, to develop a methodology capable of testing prepared seafood, including ceviche, sashimi, sushi, and poke.
Following House passage, S. 283 now returns to the Senate for consideration of the House amendment.
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