U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, has announced a hearing scheduled for June 12, 2025. The session titled “Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources” will focus on addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The hearing aims to assess current U.S. efforts in combating IUU fishing and explore potential improvements in enforcement and technological innovation.
Senator Sullivan emphasized the threat posed by IUU fishing to ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries worldwide. He noted that illegal practices undermine responsible resource management by depleting fish stocks through overfishing and damaging marine habitats. Moreover, he highlighted how these activities threaten economic security by putting law-abiding fishermen at a disadvantage.
In his statement regarding the upcoming hearing, Sen. Sullivan remarked: “Foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing from Russia and China ignore basic seafood harvest rules… I’ve worked with my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to combat this issue in the past.”
Additionally, Senator Ted Cruz expressed concerns about illegal fishing operations impacting Texas waters: “Criminals are poaching red snapper out of Texas waters… Cracking down on illegal fishing operations helps safeguard our borders.”
The hearing will feature testimony from Mr. Gregory Poling of the Center for Strategic & International Studies; Mr. Nathan Rickard from Picard Kentz & Rowe; and Mr. Gabriel Prout of Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers.
Scheduled for 10:00 A.M. EST at Russell 253 in Washington D.C., the event will be available via livestream on the Committee’s website or YouTube.
Reporters interested in attending should contact their respective media galleries for RSVP details.
