Today, the United States Senate passed the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act (S. 283). The bill was introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, along with Senators Brian Schatz, Katie Britt, and Tommy Tuberville. This bipartisan legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a standard method for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain tuna species imported into the U.S.
The current technology allows for chemical testing to determine the geographic origin of many foods but not specifically for red snapper and tuna. The bill supports developing a field test kit to accurately identify whether fish were caught in U.S. or foreign waters. This will enable law enforcement officers to determine the fish's origin and confiscate illegally caught red snapper and tuna before they are imported back into the U.S.
Senator Cruz expressed his support for Texas fishermen in light of this legislation: “Hardworking Texas fishermen in the Gulf of America are being undercut by cartel-backed entities who illegally catch and smuggle red snapper into U.S. markets, using profits to fund other illicit activities. I am proud to lead the fight on this bipartisan legislation to crack down on these corrupt operations, stand up for Texas fishermen, and protect our communities."
Senator Schatz added: “Seafood that’s caught illegally or intentionally mislabeled rips off consumers and makes it harder for law-abiding U.S. fishermen to compete. Our bill will help fight against anyone who tries to pass off cheap foreign tuna for high-quality ahi from local Hawai‘i fishermen.”
Mexican fishermen often cross maritime borders on small boats called "lanchas" to illegally catch red snapper in U.S. waters before returning them to Mexico. These fish are then sold locally or mixed with legally-caught red snapper before being exported back into the United States across land borders.
Last year alone, more than 18 tons of illegally caught fish from Mexican lanchas were seized by the Coast Guard. As of June this year, over 50 Mexican fishermen have been arrested, highlighting an ongoing need for protective measures.
In Hawaii, commercial fishermen continue their efforts against illegal fishing practices that violate both national and international regulations.
Sens. Cruz, Britt, and Tuberville had previously introduced similar legislation during Congress's 118th session which passed through committee last July.
