Alaska’s senators team to fight illegal fishing activities

Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced legislation this week that would fight against the devastating threat posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities that take billions of dollars out of the United States fishery industry each year.

In essence, the bill would give more enforcement power to a number of international fishery agreements already in existence to combat illegal fishing and crabbing, in an effort to protect fisheries in Alaska and nationwide.

“Our bill is a critical next step toward implementing the IUU treaties the Senate ratified last Congress,” Murkowski, co-Chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus, said. “IUU fishing has very real impacts – harming fish stocks, the ability of our fishermen to sell their catch and make a living, and consumers who may unknowingly purchase illegally caught fish. Stopping this illegal activity is vital to protecting Alaska’s fisheries, and the fishing industry across the country. Our bill moves us closer to achieving that goal.”

Illegal fishing activities are estimated to bring nearly 26 million tons of seafood to the surface each year, causing between $10 billion and $23 billion in global economic losses. Even international IUU fishing activities, such as in Russia, can have an adverse effect on the American crab industry by disrupting the market and driving prices down. 

“For years, pirate vessels have engaged in illegal fishing that has led to millions of dollars in lost revenue for our fishermen,” Senate Commerce Committee member Sullivan said. “This important bipartisan legislation will help deter these criminals from stealing our resources and distorting the marketplace by strengthening our enforcement authority and imposing tougher sanctions – to ensure that this vital Alaskan industry remains strong for generations to come.”

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Brian Schatz (D-HI). The bill will be discussed by the Senate Commerce Committee next week.