Bill · H.R. 9507· House(119-HR-9507)
FISH Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/29/2026
- Last activity
- 6/29/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Nicholas Begich
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2026" aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing at its global sources. The bill establishes an IUU Vessel List to identify foreign vessels and beneficial owners engaged in these activities. It implements visa sanctions against foreign persons listed on this registry, making them inadmissible to the United States. Additionally, the act directs the Coast Guard to increase vessel observations and boardings on the high seas. It also mandates various studies regarding new technology, the influence of Russian and Chinese fishing industries, and the economic impacts of IUU fishing.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill focuses on protecting ocean ecosystems by combating illegal and unregulated fishing.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates the public release of the IUU Vessel List and related procedures.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and the Coast Guard regarding maritime enforcement.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability for Illegal Fishing: By establishing an IUU Vessel List, the Secretary can identify and publicize foreign vessels, fleets, and beneficial owners engaged in illegal activities (Section 4).
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Visa Sanctions for Bad Actors: Foreign persons who are owners or beneficial owners of vessels on the IUU list will be considered inadmissible to the United States and will have current visas revoked (Section 5).
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Enhanced Maritime Security: The bill seeks to counter IUU fishing and its potential links to forced labor, human trafficking, and other maritime security threats (Section 3).
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Support for Sustainable Fisheries: The policy includes supporting the implementation of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries agreement and joint research to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in Arctic international waters (Section 3).
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Improved Enforcement Capabilities: The Coast Guard is encouraged to increase the observation and boarding of vessels suspected of IUU fishing on the high seas (Section 7).
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Technical and Investment Support: The government is encouraged to provide technical assistance, institutional capacity, and investment to nations' fisheries sectors for sustainable management (Section 10).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Travel Restrictions for Identified Owners: Owners or beneficial owners of vessels placed on the IUU list will be ineligible for visas, admission, or parole into the United States (Section 5).
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Potential Economic Burdens: The bill directs the development of strategies to prevent products from IUU fishing from negatively affecting United States commerce, implying a need to manage potential burdens on seafood not produced from IUU fishing (Section 9).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+2Increases Foreign Aid+2Improves Diplomatic Engagement+1Improves International Alliances+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3Improves Economic Growth+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- 6/29/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House