In a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries titled “Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed concerns about Mexican cartels poaching fish from U.S. waters. This illegal activity, according to Cruz, threatens the livelihoods of Texas fishermen and undermines global security.
Senator Cruz emphasized bipartisan legislation he authored to equip the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with tools to combat illegal fishing along the southern maritime border. He stated that Mexican fishermen have been illegally crossing into U.S. waters off the Texas coast to poach red snapper, an economically valuable fish in the Gulf of America.
Cruz highlighted that some vessels involved in these activities also support Mexican cartels smuggling drugs and people. He remarked, “These poachers are robbing from hardworking Texas fishermen.”
The U.S. Coast Guard seized over 18 tons of illegally caught fish from Mexican lanchas last year, up from just under three and a half tons in 2017. This year alone, more than 50 Mexican fishermen have been arrested for illegal fishing.
Cruz introduced the bipartisan Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act with Senator Schatz of Hawaii to aid law enforcement in identifying stolen fish. He continues to support enhanced resources for the Coast Guard to monitor illegal fishing along the southern maritime border.
On a global scale, Cruz pointed out threats posed by China’s fishing fleet as part of a maritime militia exploiting crews through forced labor and unsafe conditions.
“Our waters are not open to poachers,” Cruz stated firmly, advocating for a fair market for seafood free from criminal actors violating U.S. law.
The hearing aims to strengthen enforcement measures and ensure American fisheries are protected.
