Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2026

The Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025 establishes a policy for the United States to prioritize international collaboration with allies and partners to combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing . It directs the Secretary of State to use U.S. influence in international forums to deploy advanced technology for maritime law enforcement and hold accountable those responsible for IUU fishing, specifically highlighting the actions of the People's Republic of China. The President may also urge the United Nations to take greater action on global IUU fishing efforts. A key provision of the bill authorizes the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons or vessels determined to be responsible for or complicit in IUU fishing or the illegal sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species. These sanctions can include blocking property within U.S. jurisdiction, denying visas and entry to the U.S. for individuals, prohibiting foreign vessels from accessing U.S. ports, and restricting access to U.S. financial institutions and foreign exchange transactions. The President has the authority to waive sanctions if it is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States, and certain exceptions apply for humanitarian aid, vessel safety, and international obligations. The Act requires the President to submit an annual report to Congress on the imposition of these sanctions. Furthermore, it mandates that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, provide regular briefings and annual reports to Congress. These reports will assess global IUU fishing patterns, particularly those of the People's Republic of China, and evaluate the effectiveness of international forums in addressing these issues, while also recommending ways to bolster maritime law enforcement agreements.