Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Cruz, Brian Schatz, and Tommy Tuberville have introduced the bipartisan Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to combat illegal fishing by developing a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain tuna species imported into the United States.

The bill instructs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a field test kit. This tool would enable federal and state law enforcement officers to determine whether fish were caught in U.S. or foreign waters, helping to confiscate illegally caught red snapper and tuna before they enter the U.S.

Senator Britt stated that "Cartel-backed poachers need to face consequences for their illicit activities in the Gulf of America," emphasizing the importance of red snapper to Coastal Alabama's economy. She noted that this legislation sends a message to Mexico that illegal actions will not be tolerated.

Mexican fishermen often cross into U.S. waters using small boats known as "lanchas" to catch red snapper illegally. These fish are then sold in Mexico or mixed with legally-caught fish before being exported back into the United States, putting American fishermen at a disadvantage.

Senator Cruz highlighted that "Cartels and other criminal entities are illegally catching, importing, and selling red snapper and tuna." He expressed hope that Congress will act swiftly against these criminal gangs.

Alabama lands 34 percent of all recreationally caught red snapper in the Gulf, but its industry is affected by illegal fishing operations from Mexico. Senator Tuberville pointed out that profits from these activities fund cartels involved in drug smuggling and human trafficking.

The senators had previously introduced similar legislation during the 118th Congress, which passed through the Commerce Committee last July.