October 22, 2015 — The Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 has been approved by the US Senate.
IUU watchdogs and task forces have come out to praise the bill, which came into legislation on Oct. 21, having passed the US House of Representatives in July.
The Pew Charitable Trusts said it would strengthen international fisheries conservation and stop vessels suspected of fishing illegally from selling their catch in the US market.
The legislation implements the international Port State Measures Agreement, which requires signatory nations to deny entry and services to ships that have fished illegally and to share information about the vessels with international partners.