S 688
· 119th Congress
· Public Lands and Natural Resources
Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025
Sponsor
Latest action
Held at the desk.
Action timeline
Every recorded action on this bill, newest first. Stage badges color-code the legislative path.
Mar 24, 2026
floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Mar 24, 2026
floor
Received in the House.
Mar 24, 2026
floor
Held at the desk.
Mar 22, 2026
floor
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S1496-1503)
Mar 22, 2026
floor
The committee amendment withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 22, 2026
passed
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 22, 2026
passed
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S1500-1503)
Feb 03, 2026
committee
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment. With written report No. 119-101.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Feb 03, 2026
other
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 313.
Apr 30, 2025
committee
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Feb 24, 2025
introduced
Introduced in Senate
Feb 24, 2025
introduced
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Text versions
Each stage of the bill — official text published by GPO. Click any format to read on congress.gov / govinfo.
Changelog
ⓘ
How a bill moves through Congress. Each stage produces a new official text. The diff between them shows what changed at that step.
ih / is — Introduced in House / Senate. First filed version.rfh / rfs — Referred to a committee for review.rh / rs — Reported back by the committee to the floor (often with amendments — this is where most language changes happen).pcs / pch — Placed on Calendar for floor consideration.eh / es — Engrossed. Passed by the originating chamber. Text is now what was actually voted on.rdh / rds — Received by the other chamber.eah / eas — Engrossed Amendment. The other chamber passed an amended version.ath / ats — Agreed to. Both chambers settled on the same text.enr — Enrolled. Final reconciled text, sent to the President.pl — Public Law. Signed by the President. It's now law.pp — Public Print. Official printing post-enactment.
Most bills die before eh/es. Going from pcs → enr is the full path through both chambers.
ⓘ
How a bill moves through Congress. Each stage produces a new official text. The diff between them shows what changed at that step.
ih/is— Introduced in House / Senate. First filed version.rfh/rfs— Referred to a committee for review.rh/rs— Reported back by the committee to the floor (often with amendments — this is where most language changes happen).pcs/pch— Placed on Calendar for floor consideration.eh/es— Engrossed. Passed by the originating chamber. Text is now what was actually voted on.rdh/rds— Received by the other chamber.eah/eas— Engrossed Amendment. The other chamber passed an amended version.ath/ats— Agreed to. Both chambers settled on the same text.enr— Enrolled. Final reconciled text, sent to the President.pl— Public Law. Signed by the President. It's now law.pp— Public Print. Official printing post-enactment.
Most bills die before eh/es. Going from pcs → enr is the full path through both chambers.
Line-level diff between text versions of this bill — what actually changed at each legislative stage.
+242
−405
204 unchanged
--- Reported (Senate)
+++ Engrossed (Senate)
@@ -1,38 +1,15 @@
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
-[S. 688 Reported in Senate (RS)]
+[S. 688 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]
<DOC>
-Calendar No. 313
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 688
-[Report No. 119-101]
-
-To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources
-globally.
-
_______________________________________________________________________
-IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
-
-February 24, 2025
-
-Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Wicker,
-Mr. Graham, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Coons, Mr. Kennedy,
-and Mrs. Hyde-Smith) introduced the following bill; which was read
-twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
-Transportation
-
-February 3, 2026
-
-Reported by Mr. Cruz, with an amendment
-[Insert the part printed in italic]
-
-_______________________________________________________________________
-
-A BILL
+AN ACT
To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources
globally.
@@ -66,9 +43,9 @@
meaning given that term in section 307 of the Tariff Act of
1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307).
(5) IUU fishing.--The term ``IUU fishing'' means activities
-described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, or
+described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, and
unregulated fishing in paragraph 3 of the International Plan of
-Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and
+Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and
Unregulated Fishing, adopted at the 24th Session of the
Committee on Fisheries in Rome on March 2, 2001.
(6) Regional fisheries management organization.--The terms
@@ -107,33 +84,31 @@
sustainability of fish stocks in Arctic international
waters.
-SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF A BLACK LIST (IUU VESSEL LIST).
+SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IUU VESSEL LIST.
Section 608 of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection
Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d)
and inserting the following:
-``(c) Black List (IUU Vessel List).--
+``(c) IUU Vessel List.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
-Secretary of State, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
-Protection, and the Secretary of Labor, shall develop,
-maintain, and make public a list of foreign vessels, foreign
-fleets, and beneficial owners of foreign vessels or foreign
-fleets engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in
-support of IUU fishing (referred to in this section as the `IUU
-vessel list').
+Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor, and the heads of
+other relevant agencies, shall develop, maintain, and make
+public a list of foreign vessels, foreign fleets, and
+beneficial owners of foreign vessels or foreign fleets engaged
+in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in support of IUU
+fishing (referred to in this section as the `IUU vessel list').
``(2) Inclusion on list.--The IUU vessel list shall include
any foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a
foreign vessel or foreign fleet for which the Secretary
determines there is clear and convincing evidence to believe
that a foreign vessel is any of the following (even if the
-Secretary has only partial information regarding the foreign
-vessel):
-``(A) A foreign vessel listed on an IUU vessel list
-of an international fishery management organization.
-``(B) A foreign vessel taking part in fishing that
-undermines the effectiveness of an international
+Secretary has only partial information regarding the vessel):
+``(A) A vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an
+international fishery management organization.
+``(B) A vessel knowingly taking part in fishing
+that undermines the effectiveness of an international
fishery management organization's conservation and
-management measures, including a foreign vessel--
+management measures, including a vessel--
``(i) exceeding applicable international
fishery management organization catch limits;
or
@@ -143,58 +118,32 @@
even if operating under the authority of a
foreign country that is not a member of the
international fishery management organization.
-``(C) A foreign vessel, either on the high seas or
-in the exclusive economic zone of another country,
-identified and reported by United States authorities to
-an international fishery management organization to be
+``(C) A vessel, either on the high seas or in the
+exclusive economic zone of another country, identified
+and reported by United States authorities to an
+international fishery management organization to be
conducting IUU fishing when the United States has
reason to believe the foreign country to which the
-foreign vessel is registered or documented is not
-addressing the allegation.
-``(D) A foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or
-beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet
-on the high seas identified by United States
-authorities to be conducting IUU fishing or fishing
-that involves the use of forced labor, including
-individuals and entities subject to a withhold release
-order or a finding issued by U.S. Customs and Border
-Protection pursuant to section 307 of the Tariff Act of
-1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307) or any other U.S. Customs and
-Border Protection enforcement action, sanctions imposed
-by the Department of the Treasury under the Global
-Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C.
-10101 et seq.), or any other United States Government
-forced labor prevention or enforcement action that has
-not been subsequently revoked.
-``(E) A foreign vessel that provides services
+vessel is registered or documented is not addressing
+the allegation.
+``(D) A vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a
+vessel or fleet on the high seas identified by United
+States authorities to be conducting IUU fishing.
+``(E) A vessel that knowingly provides services
(excluding emergency or enforcement services) to a
-foreign vessel that is on the IUU vessel list,
-including transshipment, resupply, refueling, or
-pilotage.
-``(F) A foreign vessel that is a fishing vessel
-engaged in commercial fishing within the exclusive
-economic zone of the United States without a permit
-issued under title II of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
-Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1821 et
-seq.).
-``(G) A foreign vessel that has the same beneficial
-owner as a foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list at the
-time of the infraction.
-``(H) A foreign vessel or beneficial owner of a
-foreign vessel subject to economic sanctions
-administered by the Department of the Treasury Office
-of Foreign Assets Control for transnational criminal
-activity associated with IUU fishing under Executive
-Order 13581 (76 Fed. Reg. 44757, 84 Fed. Reg. 10255;
-relating to blocking property of transnational criminal
-organizations), or any other applicable economic
-sanctions program, including sanctions imposed by the
-Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky
-Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 10101 et
-seq.).
-``(3) Nominations to be put on the black (iuu vessel)
-list.--The Secretary may receive nominations for putting a
-foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list from--
+vessel that is on the IUU vessel list, including
+transshipment, resupply, refueling, or pilotage.
+``(F) A vessel that is a fishing vessel engaged in
+commercial fishing within the exclusive economic zone
+of the United States without a permit issued under
+title II of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
+and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1821 et seq.).
+``(G) A vessel that has the same beneficial owner
+as another vessel on the IUU vessel list at the time of
+the infraction.
+``(3) Nominations to be put on the iuu vessel list.--The
+Secretary may receive nominations for putting a vessel on the
+IUU vessel list from--
``(A) the head of an executive branch agency that
is a member of the Interagency Working Group on IUU
Fishing established under section 3551 of the Maritime
@@ -204,141 +153,87 @@
``(C) civil organizations that have data-sharing
agreements with a member of the Interagency Working
Group on IUU Fishing.
-``(4) Procedures for addition.--The Secretary may put a
-foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list only after notification
-to the foreign vessel's beneficial owner and a review of any
-information that the owner provides within 90 days of the
-notification.
+``(4) Procedures for addition.--
+``(A) In general.--The Secretary may put a vessel
+on the IUU vessel list only after notification to the
+vessel's beneficial owner and a review of any
+information that the owner provides within 90 days of
+the notification.
+``(B) Hearing.--A beneficial owner may request a
+hearing on the evidence if the owner's vessel is placed
+on the IUU vessel list under subparagraph (A) and may
+present new evidence to the Interagency Working Group
+on IUU Fishing described in paragraph (3)(A). Such
+Working Group shall review the new evidence and vote on
+whether the vessel shall remain on the IUU vessel list
+or not.
``(5) Public information.--The Secretary shall publish its
-procedures for adding foreign vessels on, and removing foreign
-vessels from, the IUU vessel list. The Secretary shall publish
-the IUU vessel list itself in the Federal Register annually and
-on a website, which shall be updated any time a foreign vessel
-is added to the IUU vessel list, and include the following
-information (as much as is available and confirmed) for each
-foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list:
-``(A) The name of the foreign vessel and previous
-names of the foreign vessel.
+procedures for adding vessels on, and removing vessels from,
+the IUU vessel list. The Secretary shall publish the IUU vessel
+list itself in the Federal Register annually and on a website,
+which shall be updated any time a vessel is added to the IUU
+vessel list, and include the following information (as much as
+is available and confirmed) for each vessel on the IUU vessel
+list:
+``(A) The name of the vessel and previous names of
+the vessel.
``(B) The International Maritime Organization (IMO)
-number of the foreign vessel, or other Unique Vessel
-Identifier (such as the flag state permit number or
-authorized vessel number issued by an international
-fishery management organization).
+number of the vessel, or other Unique Vessel Identifier
+(such as the flag state permit number or authorized
+vessel number issued by an international fishery
+management organization).
``(C) The maritime mobile service identity number
-and call sign of the foreign vessel.
+and call sign of the vessel.
``(D) The business or corporate address of each
-beneficial owner of the foreign vessel.
-``(E) The country where the foreign vessel is
-registered or documented, and where it was previously
-registered if known.
+beneficial owner of the vessel.
+``(E) The country where the vessel is registered or
+documented, and where it was previously registered if
+known.
``(F) The date of inclusion on the IUU vessel list
-of the foreign vessel.
+of the vessel.
``(G) Any other Unique Vessel Identifier (UVI), if
applicable.
``(H) Any other identifying information on the
-foreign vessel, as determined appropriate by the
-Secretary.
+vessel, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(I) The basis for the Secretary's inclusion of
-the foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list under
-paragraph (2).
-``(d) Consequences of Being on Black List (IUU Vessel List).--
-``(1) In general.--Except for the purposes of inspection
-and enforcement or in case of force majeure, a foreign vessel
-on the IUU vessel list is prohibited from--
-``(A) accessing United States ports and using port
-services;
-``(B) traveling through the United States
-territorial sea unless it is conducting innocent
-passage; and
-``(C) delivering or receiving supplies or services,
-or transshipment, within waters subject to the
-jurisdiction of the United States, unless such
-prohibition would be inconsistent with customary
-international law.
-``(2) Servicing prohibited.--No vessel of the United States
-may service a foreign vessel that is on the IUU vessel list,
-except in an emergency involving life and safety or to
-facilitate enforcement.
-``(3) Imports prohibited.--The import of seafood or seafood
-products caught, processed, or transported by foreign vessels
-on the IUU vessel list is prohibited and shall be subject to
-the enforcement provisions of section 606.
-``(4) Fishing treaties and agreements.--It should be a
-priority for United States delegations to--
-``(A) advocate for the incorporation of articles in
-international fishery management organizations
-providing identical or similar safeguards described in
-this section in new and updated bilateral or
-multilateral fishing treaties; and
-``(B) encourage parties to international and
-regional fisheries organizations that the United States
-is party to, or holds observer status, to take similar
-measures described in this section.
-``(e) Enforcement of Black List (IUU Vessel List).--
-``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
-foreign vessel on the IUU vessel list and the cargo of such
-vessel shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United
-States in the same manner as merchandise is forfeited for
-violation of the customs revenue laws.
-``(2) Exception.--The cargo of seafood of a foreign vessel
-on the IUU vessel list shall not be subject to seizure and
-forfeiture to the United States if the cargo of seafood is in
-the possession of an importer who has paid for the cargo of
-seafood and did not know, or did not have any reason to know,
-that the seafood was the product of IUU fishing.
-``(f) Permanency of Black List (IUU Vessel List).--
-``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2)
-through (4), a foreign vessel, foreign fleet, or beneficial
-owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet that is put on the
-IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list.
-``(2) Revocation of wro.--The Secretary shall remove a
-foreign vessel or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list if the
-foreign vessel was added to the IUU vessel list because it was
-found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to have had a
-withhold release order or a finding issued pursuant to section
-307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307) and the withhold
-release order was subsequently revoked.
-``(3) Application by owner for potential removal.--
+the vessel on the IUU vessel list under paragraph (2).
+``(d) Action.--The Secretary may take the action described in
+subsection (c)(2) of this section in effect on the day before the date
+of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of
+2025 against a vessel on the IUU vessel list, the owner of such vessel,
+and the operator of such vessel.
+``(e) Permanency of IUU Vessel List.--
+``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), a
+vessel, fleet, or beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet that is
+put on the IUU vessel list shall remain on the IUU vessel list.
+``(2) Application by owner for potential removal.--
``(A) In general.--In consultation with the
-Secretary of State and the U.S. Customs and Border
-Protection, the Secretary may remove a foreign vessel,
-foreign fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel
-or foreign fleet from the IUU vessel list if the
-beneficial owner of the foreign vessel submits an
-application for removal to the Secretary that meets the
-standards that the Secretary has set out for removal.
-``(B) Standards.--The Secretary shall include in
-the standards set out for removal a determination that
-the foreign vessel or foreign vessel owner has not
-engaged in IUU fishing or fishing that involves the use
-of forced labor during the 5-year period preceding the
-date of the application for removal. The Secretary, in
-consultation with the Secretary of State and the U.S.
-Customs and Border Protection, shall determine whether
-each application for removal demonstrates that
-sufficient corrective action has been taken to
-remediate the violations and infractions that led to
-the inclusion on the IUU vessel list.
-``(C) Consideration of relevant information.--In
+Secretary of State and the heads of other relevant
+agencies, the Secretary may remove a vessel, fleet, or
+beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet from the IUU
+vessel list if the beneficial owner of the vessel
+submits an application for removal to the Secretary
+that meets the standards that the Secretary has set out
+for removal. The Secretary shall make such standards
+publicly available.
+``(B) Consideration of relevant information.--In
considering an application for removal, the Secretary
shall consider relevant information from all sources.
-``(4) Removal due to international fishery management
-organization action.--The Secretary may remove a foreign vessel
-from the IUU vessel list if the foreign vessel was put on the
-list because it was a foreign vessel listed on an IUU vessel
-list of an international fishery management organization,
-pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A), and the international fishery
-management organization removed the foreign vessel from its IUU
-vessel list.
-``(g) Regulations and Process.--Not later than 12 months after the
+``(3) Removal due to international fishery management
+organization action.--The Secretary may remove a vessel from
+the IUU vessel list if the vessel was put on the list because
+it was a vessel listed on an IUU vessel list of an
+international fishery management organization, pursuant to
+subsection (c)(2)(A), and the international fishery management
+organization removed the vessel from its IUU vessel list.
+``(f) Regulations and Process.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act
of 2025, the Secretary shall issue regulations to set a process for
establishing, maintaining, implementing, and publishing the IUU vessel
-list. The Administrator may add or remove a foreign vessel, foreign
-fleet, or beneficial owner of a foreign vessel or foreign fleet from
-the IUU vessel list on the date the foreign vessel becomes eligible for
-such addition or removal.
-``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
+list. The Administrator may add or remove a vessel, fleet, or
+beneficial owner of a vessel or fleet from the IUU vessel list on the
+date the vessel becomes eligible for such addition or removal.
+``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise provided, the term
`Administrator' means the Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration or the designee of the
@@ -351,114 +246,61 @@
vessel; or
``(B) owns not less than 50 percent of the
ownership interests in the vessel.
-``(3) Forced labor.--The term `forced labor' has the
-meaning given that term in section 307 of the Tariff Act of
-1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307).
-``(4) Foreign vessel.--The term `foreign vessel' has the
+``(3) Foreign vessel.--The term `foreign vessel' has the
meaning given the term in section 110 of title 46, United
-States Code.
-``(5) International fishery management organization.--The
+States Code).
+``(4) International fishery management organization.--The
term `international fishery management organization' means an
international organization established by any bilateral or
multilateral treaty, convention, or agreement for the
conservation and management of fish.
-``(6) IUU fishing.--The term `IUU fishing' means activities
-described as illegal fishing, unreported fishing, or
-unregulated fishing in paragraph 3 of the International Plan of
-Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and
-Unregulated Fishing, adopted at the 24th Session of the
-Committee on Fisheries in Rome on March 2, 2001.
-``(7) Seafood.--The term `seafood' means fish, shellfish,
+``(5) IUU fishing.--The term `IUU fishing' has the meaning
+given the term `illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing' in
+the implementing regulations or any subsequent regulations
+issued pursuant to section 609(e).
+``(6) Seafood.--The term `seafood' means fish, shellfish,
processed fish, fish meal, shellfish products, and all other
forms of marine animal and plant life other than marine mammals
and birds.
-``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
+``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Department of Commerce to carry out this section
-$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''.
-
-SEC. 5. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.
-
-(a) Authorization for Sanctions.--The Secretary of the Treasury may
-impose the measures described in subsection (b) with respect to--
-(1) any foreign person or foreign vessel, regardless of
-ownership, that the Secretary of the Treasury determines has
-participated in--
-(A) the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer
-(including transportation) of a fish species that is an
-endangered species, as defined in section of the
-Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1532),
-directly or indirectly; or
-(B) IUU fishing;
-(2) a leader or official of an entity that has engaged in,
-or whose members have engaged in, any of the activities
-described in paragraph (1);
-(3) an entity determined to have owned, operated,
-chartered, or controlled a vessel whose personnel are engaged
-in the activities described in paragraph (1) at a time period
-relating to the activities;
-(4) an entity that commits any action described in section
-608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection
-Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i) as a basis to be put on the IUU vessel
-list under such section; and
-(5) an entity that has materially assisted, sponsored, or
-provided financial, material, or technological support for, or
-goods or services in support of, a foreign person or foreign
-vessel described in paragraph (1).
-(b) Sanctions Described.--The sanctions to be imposed under
-subsection (a) are the following:
-(1) Blocking of property.--Notwithstanding section 202 of
-the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
-1701), the exercise of all powers granted to the President by
-the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701
-et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all
-transactions in all property and interests in property of a
-foreign person or entity described in subsection (a) including,
-to the extent appropriate, the vessel of which the person is
-the beneficial owner, if such property and interests in
-property are in the United States, come within the United
-States, or are or come within the possession or control of a
-United States person.
-(2) Ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole.--
-(A) Visas, admission, or parole.--A foreign person
+$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030.''.
+
+SEC. 5. VISA SANCTIONS FOR FOREIGN PERSONS.
+
+(a) Foreign Persons Described.--A foreign person is described in
+this subsection if the foreign person is the owner or beneficial owner
+of a vessel on the IUU vessel list developed under section 608(c) of
+the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
+1826i(c)).
+(b) Ineligibility for Visas, Admission, or Parole.--
+(1) Visas, admission, or parole.--A foreign person
described in subsection (a) is--
-(i) inadmissible to the United States;
-(ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other
+(A) inadmissible to the United States;
+(B) ineligible to receive a visa or other
documentation to enter the United States; and
-(iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted
-or paroled into the United States or to receive
-any other benefit under the Immigration and
-Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
-(B) Current visas revoked.--
-(i) In general.--The visa or other entry
+(C) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled
+into the United States or to receive any other benefit
+under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
+1101 et seq.).
+(2) Current visas revoked.--
+(A) In general.--The visa or other entry
documentation of a foreign person described in
-subsection (a) shall be revoked, regardless of
-when such visa or other entry documentation is
-or was issued.
-(ii) Immediate effect.--A revocation under
-clause (i) shall, in accordance with section
-221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
-(8 U.S.C. 1201(i))--
-(I) take effect; and
-(II) cancel any other valid visa or
-entry documentation that is in the
-person's possession.
-(c) Implementation; Penalties.--
-(1) Implementation.--The President may exercise all
-authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the
-International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and
-1704) to carry out this section.
-(2) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to
-violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this
-section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry
-out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in
-subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International
-Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the same
-extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in
-subsection (a) of that section.
-(d) National Interest Waiver.--The President may waive the
+subsection (a) shall be revoked, regardless of when
+such visa or other entry documentation is or was
+issued.
+(B) Immediate effect.--A revocation under
+subparagraph (A) shall, in accordance with section
+221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
+1201(i))--
+(i) take effect; and
+(ii) cancel any other valid visa or entry
+documentation that is in the person's
+possession.
+(c) National Interest Waiver.--The President may waive the
imposition of sanctions under this section with respect to a foreign
-person or entity.
-(e) Exceptions.--
+person if doing so is in the national interest of the United States.
+(d) Exceptions.--
(1) Exceptions for authorized intelligence and law
enforcement activities.--This section shall not apply with
respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements
@@ -466,8 +308,8 @@
3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence, law enforcement,
or national security activities of the United States.
(2) Exception to comply with international agreements.--
-Sanctions under subsection (b)(2) shall not apply with respect
-to the admission of an alien to the United States if such
+Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to
+the admission of an alien to the United States if such
admission is necessary to comply with the obligations of the
United States under the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of
the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and
@@ -476,29 +318,19 @@
Relations, done at Vienna April 24, 1963, and entered into
force March 19, 1967, or other international obligations.
(3) Exception for safety of vessels and crew.--Sanctions
-under this section shall not apply with respect to a person or
-entity providing provisions to a vessel identified under
-section 608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium
-Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i) if such provisions are
-intended for the safety and care of the crew aboard the vessel,
-or the maintenance of the vessel to avoid any environmental or
-other significant damage.
-(4) Humanitarian exception.--The President may not impose
-sanctions under this section with respect to any person or
-entity for conducting or facilitating a transaction for the
-sale of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, or medical
-devices or for the provision of humanitarian assistance.
-(f) Rulemaking.--
-(1) In general.--The President is authorized to promulgate
-such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
-provisions of this section (which may include regulatory
-exceptions), including under section 205 of the International
-Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1704).
-(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section, or in
-any amendment made by this section, may be construed to limit
-the authority of the President pursuant to the International
-Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
-(g) Definitions.--In this section:
+under subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to a person
+providing provisions to a vessel identified under section
+608(c) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection
+Act (16 U.S.C. 1826i) if such provisions are intended for the
+safety and care of the crew aboard the vessel, or the
+maintenance of the vessel to avoid any environmental or other
+significant damage.
+(4) Exemptions.--Sanctions under subsection (b) shall not
+apply with respect to a person described in subsection (a), if
+such person was listed as the owner of a vessel described in
+that subsection through the use of force, threats of force,
+fraud, or coercion.
+(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Admission; admitted; alien; lawfully admitted for
permanent residence.--The terms ``admission'', ``admitted'',
``alien'', and ``lawfully admitted for permanent residence''
@@ -523,22 +355,22 @@
of this Act, the President is encouraged to consider the impacts on or
to IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor and
strive to ensure that the agreement strengthens efforts to combat IUU
-fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor.
+fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor as long as
+such considerations do not come at the expense of higher priority
+national interests of the United States.
(b) Federal Government Encouragement.--The Federal Government
should encourage other nations to ratify treaties and agreements that
address IUU fishing to which the United States is a party, including
-the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, the High Seas Fishing Compliance
-Agreement, the Port State Measures Agreement, and other applicable
-agreements, and pursue bilateral and multilateral initiatives to raise
+the High Seas Fishing Compliance Agreement and the Port State Measures
+Agreement, and pursue bilateral and multilateral initiatives to raise
international ambition to combat IUU fishing, including in the G7 and
G20, the United Nations, the International Labor Organization (ILO),
and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and through
-voluntary multilateral efforts. The bilateral and multilateral
-initiatives should address underlying drivers of IUU fishing and
-fishing that involves the use of forced labor, such as the practice of
-transshipment, flags of convenience vessels, and government subsidies
-of the distant water fishing industry.
-(c) Transparency for Non-Binding Instruments Concluded Under This
+voluntary multilateral efforts, as long as clear burden sharing
+arrangements with partner nations are determined. The bilateral and
+multilateral initiatives should address underlying drivers of IUU
+fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor.
+(c) Transparency for Non-binding Instruments Concluded Under This
Section.--Any memorandum of understanding or other non-binding
instrument to further the objectives of this section shall be
considered a qualifying non-binding instrument for purposes of section
@@ -547,12 +379,11 @@
SEC. 7. ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS.
(a) Increase Boarding of Vessels Suspected of IUU Fishing.--The
-Commandant of the Coast Guard shall strive, in accordance with the UN
-Fish Stocks Agreement, to increase, from year to year, its observation
-of vessels on the high seas that are suspected of IUU fishing and
-related harmful practices, and is encouraged to consider boarding these
-vessels to the greatest extent practicable.
-(b) Follow Up.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with the
+Commandant of the Coast Guard shall strive to increase, from year to
+year, its observation of vessels on the high seas that are suspected of
+IUU fishing and related harmful practices, and is encouraged to
+consider boarding these vessels to the greatest extent practicable.
+(b) Follow up.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with the
Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Secretary of State, coordinate
regularly with regional fisheries management organizations to determine
what corrective measures each country has taken after vessels that are
@@ -602,8 +433,7 @@
``(16) developing a strategy for leveraging enforcement
capacity against associated abuses, such as fishing that
involves the use of forced labor and other illegal labor
-practices, and increasing enforcement and other actions across
-relevant import control and assessment programs, using as
+practices, and increasing relevant enforcement, using as
resources--
``(A) the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or
Forced Labor produced pursuant to section 105 of the
@@ -617,7 +447,7 @@
regulations authorized under section 307 of the Tariff
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307); and
``(D) reports submitted under the Uyghur Human
-Rights Policy Act of 2020 (22 U.S.C. 6901 note).''.
+Rights Policy Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-145).''.
(b) Secretary of State Identification.--The Secretary of State, in
coordination with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the
Administrator, shall--
@@ -632,13 +462,13 @@
Section 3552 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8032) is amended
by adding at the end:
-``(c) Strategies To Optimize Data Collection, Sharing, and
+``(c) Strategies to Optimize Data Collection, Sharing, and
Analysis.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the
Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, the Working
Group shall identify information and resources to prevent fish and fish
products from IUU fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced
-labor from entering United States commerce without increasing burden or
-trade barriers on seafood not produced from IUU fishing. The report
+labor from negatively affecting United States commerce without
+increasing burdens on seafood not produced from IUU fishing. The report
shall include the following:
``(1) Identification of relevant data streams collected by
Working Group members.
@@ -649,23 +479,20 @@
and information sharing between Federal agencies and States.
``(4) Recommendations for sharing and developing forensic
resources between Federal agencies and States.
-``(5) Recommendations for enhancing capacity for United
-States Customs and Border Protection and National Oceanic and
-Atmospheric Administration to conduct more effective field
-investigations and enforcement efforts with U.S. state
-enforcement officials.
+``(5) Recommendations for enhancing capacity to conduct
+more effective field investigations and enforcement efforts
+with U.S. state enforcement officials.
``(6) Recommendations for improving data collection and
-automated risk-targeting of seafood imports within the United
-States International Trade Data System and Automated Commercial
-Environment.
+automated risk-targeting of seafood.
``(7) Recommendations for the dissemination of IUU fishing
and fishing that involves the use of forced labor analysis and
information to those governmental and non-governmental entities
that could use it for action and awareness, with the aim to
establish an IUU fishing information sharing center.
``(8) Recommendations for an implementation strategy,
-including measures for ensuring that trade in seafood not
-linked to IUU fishing and forced labor is not impeded.
+including measures for ensuring that seafood not linked to IUU
+fishing and fishing that involves the use of forced labor is
+not affected.
``(9) An analysis of the IUU fishing policies and
regulatory regimes of other countries in order to develop
policy and regulatory alternatives for United States
@@ -673,18 +500,16 @@
SEC. 10. INVESTMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FISHERIES SECTOR.
-(a) In General.--The Secretary of State, the Administrator of the
-United States Agency for International Development, and the Secretary
-of Commerce, in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies, the
-Millennium Challenge Corporation, and multilateral institutions such as
-the World Bank, are encouraged to increase support to programs that
-provide technical assistance, institutional capacity, and investment to
-nations' fisheries sectors for sustainable fisheries management and
-combating IUU fishing and forced labor. The focus of such support is
-encouraged to be on priority regions and priority flag states
-identified under section 3552(b) of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C.
-8032(b)).
-(b) Analysis of U.S. Capacity-Building Expertise and Resources.--In
+(a) In General.--The Secretary of State and the Secretary of
+Commerce, in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies, are
+encouraged to increase support to programs that provide technical
+assistance, institutional capacity, and investment to nations'
+fisheries sectors for sustainable fisheries management and combating
+IUU fishing and fishing involving the use of forced labor. The focus of
+such support is encouraged to be on priority regions and priority flag
+states identified under section 3552(b) of the Maritime SAFE Act (16
+U.S.C. 8032(b)).
+(b) Analysis of US Capacity-building Expertise and Resources.--In
order to maximize efforts on preventing IUU fishing at its sources, the
Interagency Working Group on IUU Fishing established under section 3551
of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031) shall analyze United States
@@ -695,17 +520,16 @@
fisheries management, maritime enforcement, and maritime judicial
capabilities.
-SEC. 11. PREVENTING IMPORTATION OF SEAFOOD AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS FROM
-FOREIGN VESSELS USING FORCED LABOR.
-
-The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in
-coordination with the Secretary shall--
+SEC. 11. STRATEGY TO IDENTIFY SEAFOOD AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS FROM FOREIGN
+VESSELS USING FORCED LABOR.
+
+The Secretary, in coordination with the heads of other relevant
+agencies, shall--
(1) develop a strategy for utilizing relevant United States
-Government data to identify imports of seafood harvested on
-foreign vessels using forced labor; and
+Government data to identify seafood harvested on foreign
+vessels using forced labor; and
(2) publish information regarding the strategy developed
-under paragraph (1) on the website of U.S. Customs and Border
-Protection.
+under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible website.
SEC. 12. REPORTS.
@@ -724,18 +548,16 @@
(b) Russian and Chinese Fishing Industries' Influence on Each Other
and on the United States Seafood and Fishing Industry.--Not later than
2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
-State, with support from the Secretary of Commerce and the Office of
-the United States Trade Representative, shall--
+State, with support from the Secretary of Commerce, shall--
(1) conduct a study on the collaboration between the
Russian and Chinese fishing industries and on the role of
seafood reprocessing in China (including that of raw materials
originating in Russia) in global seafood markets and its impact
-on United States seafood importers, processors, and consumers;
-and
+on United States interests; and
(2) complete a report on the study that includes classified
and unclassified portions, as the Secretary of State determines
necessary.
-(c) Fishermen Conducting Unlawful Fishing in the Economic Exclusion
+(c) Fishermen Conducting Unlawful Fishing in the Exclusive Economic
Zone.--Section 3551 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8031) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) The Impacts of IUU Fishing and Fishing Involving the Use of
@@ -760,7 +582,7 @@
both domestic programs and foreign capacity-building
and partnering programs.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
-to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $4,000,000.''.
+to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000.''.
(d) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the
study conducted under subsection (d) of section 3551 of the Maritime
@@ -774,34 +596,49 @@
Section 212(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33
U.S.C. 1131(a)) is amended--
-(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``this title'' and all
-that follows and inserting ``this title $105,700,000 for each
-of fiscal years 2026 through 2031.''; and
+(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``for fiscal year 2025''
+and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031'';
+and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``for
fiscal years 2021 through 2025''; and
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``fiscal years 2021 through 2025'' and
inserting ``fiscal years 2026 through 2031''.
-Calendar No. 313
-
+
+SEC. 14. EXCEPTION RELATED TO THE IMPORTATION OF GOODS.
+
+(a) In General.--The authorities and requirements provided in this
+Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall not include any
+authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of
+goods or related to sanctions on the importation of goods.
+(b) Good Defined.--In this section, the term ``good''--
+(1) means any article, natural or man-made substance,
+material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection
+and test equipment; and
+(2) excludes technical data.
+
+SEC. 15. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
+
+Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority
+under, or otherwise affect, a provision of law that--
+(1) is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and
+(2) is not amended by this Act.
+
+Passed the Senate March 22, 2026.
+
+Attest:
+
+Secretary.
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 688
-[Report No. 119-101]
-
_______________________________________________________________________
-A BILL
+AN ACT
To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources
globally.
-
-_______________________________________________________________________
-
-February 3, 2026
-
-Reported with an amendment
Cosponsors (9)
Members who signed on to support this bill.