The Biden administration will bar U.S. port entry to fishing vessels from China, Russia and 12 other nations beginning Oct. 10, saying boats from those countries continue to violate international rules governing fishing, ocean species protection and trade, NOAA announced this week.
The latest crackdown on foreign-flagged boats follows a concerted push by fishing groups, conservation watchdogs and international observers for U.S. officials to enforce the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act requiring NOAA to monitor and take action against illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing practices across the globe.
Such activities — which range from unlicensed fishing and making false catch reports to violating closed fishing zones — have been cited by the international fishing community for causing widespread damage to ocean ecosystems, including spikes in unregulated bycatch, the killing of protected marine life and the targeting of high-profile species like sharks.
Since 2009, U.S. regulators have issued “negative certifications” for 40 governments and entities for violations of international fishing laws and the U.S. Moratorium Protection Act, with some major rival countries like China and Russia cited over several years and for multiple violations.
