S. 283 · Passed both chambers · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act

Sponsor: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

What it does

• Directs NOAA and NIST to jointly develop a standard methodology using chemical analysis to identify the country of origin of seafood for enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
• Requires the methodology to include a portable field kit and be suitable for testing prepared seafood such as sushi, to the extent practicable.
• Mandates NOAA and NIST to conduct pilot studies of the methodology on red snapper and tuna.
• Requires NIST to report to Congress within two years on the methodology, a plan for operationalization, and whether additional research or alternate approaches would be needed.

Official summary

Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to jointly develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of seafood to support enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing). It also authorizes technical assistance to other countries to help combat IUU fishing and transnational organized crime. NOAA and NIST must consult with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard in developing the methodology, which must use chemical analysis to identify the country of origin of seafood. The methodology must be consistent with the needs of federal and state law enforcement agencies in combating IUU fishing. The methodology must also include a portable field kit and, to the extent practicable, be appropriate for testing prepared food (including raw preparations of seafood such as sushi). The agencies must conduct pilot studies of the methodology on red snapper and tuna. Within two years after the bill's enactment, NIST must report to Congress regarding the methodology and a plan for…

Latest action

Oct 5, 2026: Presented to President.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation