As Mexican cartels continue to profit from smuggling red snapper and tuna into the domestic market, U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are working to ensure that international crime organizations can no longer undercut American fishermen.
On Wednesday, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, backed by both legislators, passed the U.S. Senate. The bill calls for the development of a field test kit to be used to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in U.S. or foreign waters. The bill will give federal and state law enforcement officers the ability to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper and tuna before it is imported back into the U.S.
RELATED: Mexican cartels are smuggling Alabama red snapper – Tuberville, Britt fight back with new law
“Senate Republicans are committed to putting America first, which requires legislation that protects hardworking Americans, including our tremendous Gulf of America red snapper fishermen and food producers in Alabama,” said Britt (R-Montgomery).
“These Alabamians deserve fairness when fishing and selling their products in the market. The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act is a first step to protecting Alabama’s fishermen and putting cartel-backed poachers on notice for their illicit activities in the Gulf. I look forward to seeing the House pass this important legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk.”
Tuberville (R-Auburn) also noted the bill’s importance for the American fishing industry.
“This is great news for our hardworking fishermen who have worked overtime to compete with Mexican cartels flooding our markets with illegal red snapper,” said Tuberville. “It’s also a win for every American because it cuts off the cash flow to cartels, which have been terrorizing our communities.”
“I’ll continue standing up for our fishermen and fighting to preserve the outdoor activities Alabamians enjoy.”
RELATED: Tuberville, Britt warn Biden against order threatening Alabama’s catfish industry
According to the lawmakers, if successful, the use of a field test kit method could be expanded to identify other IUU fish.
Each year, about 100,000 red snapper are harvested off of Alabama’s coast, accounting for almost a third of the total recreational harvest in the Gulf of America. The state’s fishing industry currently employs approximately 12,000, and has an annual statewide economic impact of $1.1 billion.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
