Bill > S2674

This bill, known as the Helping Allies Respond to Piracy, Overfishing, and Oceanic Negligence (HARPOON) Act, authorizes the Secretary of Defense to support capacity-building programs for foreign security forces to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The bill defines IUU fishing according to the International Plan of Action adopted in 2001 and modifies existing law to allow the Department of Defense to help foreign partners address maritime security challenges related to illegal fishing. It requires the Secretary of the Navy and the Coast Guard Commandant to engage with foreign partners to establish joint maritime patrols aimed at enhancing counter-IUU fishing efforts, combating transnational crime, and improving regional security. The bill also mandates an annual report to congressional committees detailing these international partnerships, including information about participating regions, potential resource limitations, recommendations for program improvement, and an assessment of ongoing operations. By expanding the scope of military capacity-building programs, the bill seeks to address maritime security and environmental concerns associated with illegal fishing practices.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2674/all-info