In a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries titled "Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources," Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) addressed the issue of Mexican cartels allegedly poaching fish from U.S. waters. He expressed concerns about the impact on Texas fishermen and broader implications for maritime security.
Senator Cruz highlighted bipartisan legislation he has authored to provide additional resources to the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This legislation aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing along the southern maritime border.
During his remarks, Sen. Cruz stated: “Good morning. I want to thank Chairman Sullivan for holding this hearing to discuss an ongoing threat to America’s economic and maritime security—Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing. This problem is global, but its effects are being felt right here at home, especially in Texas."
He described how Mexican fishermen have been crossing into U.S. waters off the Texas coast to poach red snapper in significant quantities. “For years, Mexican fishermen have brazenly crossed into U.S. waters off the Texas coast to poach red snapper in the Gulf of America,” he said.
Cruz also linked these activities with Mexican cartels involved in drug smuggling: “This isn’t just about fish. Some of the very same vessels crossing into U.S. waters to steal red snapper support Mexican cartels involved in smuggling drugs and people.”
The senator cited efforts by agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard, which seized more than 18 tons of illegally caught fish last year from Mexican lanchas—a marked increase from previous years.
Senator Cruz mentioned legislative measures such as the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act introduced with Senator Schatz of Hawaii: “Earlier this year, this Committee advanced the bipartisan Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act...to give law enforcement the tools they need.”
Globally, Cruz pointed out issues with China’s fishing fleet practices: “Globally, we must also confront the threat posed by China’s use of its fishing fleet as part of a maritime militia.”
He concluded by emphasizing that American fisheries deserve protection: “Let me be clear: our waters are not open to poachers...Together, we must ensure that American fisheries—and American sovereignty—are defended.”
