Stop Illegal Fishing Act

This bill would require the President to impose financial and travel sanctions on foreign individuals, entities, and vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Under these provisions, the government would block property transactions within U.S. jurisdiction for covered parties and revoke or deny visas for foreign persons who own, operate, or work in senior roles for vessels engaged in such fishing. The President could waive these sanctions for national security reasons or to provide life-saving assistance, but must periodically report to Congress on enforcement efforts.

This bill affects foreign individuals and entities involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including vessel owners, captains, senior crew members, and officers of organizations primarily engaged in such activities. Foreign vessels registered or operated under the authority of a foreign country that engage in these fishing practices are also subject to sanctions. Additionally, the legislation impacts U.S. persons who have possession or control of property belonging to these sanctioned foreign parties.

• Sanctions on foreign vessels and persons. Requires the President to impose sanctions on foreign vessels and individuals or entities involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This includes blocking property transactions within U.S. jurisdiction and denying or revoking visas for covered foreign persons.
• Identification of covered entities. Defines covered foreign persons as non-U.S. individuals or entities that knowingly own or operate vessels engaged in IUU fishing, or serve as senior crew, officers, or managers for such vessels or entities.
• Penalties for violations. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for those who violate, attempt to violate, or conspire to violate the sanctions mandated by the bill.
• Waiver and exception authorities. Allows the President to waive sanctions if deemed important to U.S. national security interests after notifying Congress. Exceptions are also provided for activities such as providing life-saving assistance to a covered vessel.
• Congressional reporting requirements. Directs the President to provide periodic reports to Congress regarding the efforts and actions taken to implement the bill's provisions.

• H.R. 6338, Stop Illegal Fishing Act
  Dec 19, 2025 · As ordered reported by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on December 3, 2025

The bill aims to deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by requiring the President to impose financial and travel sanctions on foreign vessels and individuals involved in such activities.