Two Republican lawmakers are urging the U.S. Commerce Department to take stronger action against seafood imports from China and other countries they accuse of relying on forced labor and unregulated fishing practices.
In a letter made public this week, the senators argued that nearly 11% of all U.S. seafood imports—valued at an estimated $2.4 billion in 2019—are tied to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. They said the practice undermines the domestic industry, costs the U.S. economy more than $1 billion annually in lost revenue, and threatens tens of thousands of American jobs.
The senators are asking the Commerce Department to consider a ban on imports of seafood linked to IUU practices and to begin by fully enforcing the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act, which provides the U.S. with tools to address illegal fishing on the high seas.
The call comes amid rising scrutiny of global supply chains and increasing pressure on policymakers to ensure that imported food products meet labor and environmental standards.
