President Biden today issued a National Security Memorandum on Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Associated Labor Abuses, referring to IUU fishing as “among the greatest threats to ocean health,” a “significant cause[] of global overfishing,” and a threat to U.S. economic competitiveness, national security, fishery sustainability, livelihoods and human rights, and the environment.
The Memorandum directs federal entities to take a series of actions to end forced labor and other crimes and abuses in IUU fishing, promote sustainable ocean use in partnership with other nations and the private sector, and advance foreign and trade policies beneficial to U.S. seafood workers.
Among other things, it specifically directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director to collaborate with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, and NOAA Administrator to continue to pursue opportunities through the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Panel) to promote international collaboration to address IUU fishing and integrate best practices into the National Sustainable Ocean Plans developed by each Panel nation member.
Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State, NOAA Administrator, and USAID Administrator to assist developing countries with the establishment and enforcement of marine protected areas in order to promote fish species conservation and sustainable coastal management.
