U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) chaired a hearing on June 12, 2025, focusing on the threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign entities to Alaska’s fishermen and coastal communities. The hearing was part of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries.
The discussion centered around strategies outlined in Senator Sullivan’s Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act. These include blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities, and advancing international negotiations for enforceable agreements. The FISH Act was unanimously passed by the Senate Commerce Committee on April 30, 2025.
Gabriel Prout, president of the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, testified at the hearing about the impact of IUU fishing on local industries. “The effect of IUU and the importation of it into our markets has been nothing short of devastating,” he stated.
Senator Sullivan raised concerns about unfair competition from Chinese and Russian fleets due to their governments’ subsidies and other practices. He noted that banning Russian seafood imports has positively impacted local fishermen: “Your efforts to stem the flow of that IUU [seafood] have been very obvious to my family and many of the fishermen within Alaska.”
Other witnesses included Gregory Poling from CSIS; Nathan Rickard from Picard Kentz & Rowe; and Whitley Saumweber from CSIS.
In his opening statement, Senator Sullivan highlighted various issues related to IUU fishing such as its impact on global marine ecosystems and economies: “It is estimated that IUU fishing accounts for up to 20 percent of the global catch.” He also pointed out China’s significant role in this problem: “China operates approximately 57,000 fishing vessels—57,000—which accounts for 44 percent of the world’s total fishing activity.”
Gabriel Prout emphasized ongoing challenges despite recent improvements due to policy changes: “For over two decades, Russian IUU crab has undermined American fishermen who follow the rules.”
Senator Sullivan expressed optimism about future efforts against IUU fishing with increased investment in U.S. Coast Guard capabilities: “I believe we are going to be embarking on a golden age for our Coast Guard.”
