Washington, D.C. - U.S Trade Representative Michael Froman released the following statement after the Presidential Task Force on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Seafood Fraud, co-chaired by the Departments of Commerce and State, released its action plan. The action plan directs the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to use trade and trade agreements to combat the ecological and commercial impacts caused by IUU fishing practices and some of the most harmful fisheries subsidies.
“Pirate fishing is jeopardizing the health of our oceans, depleting fish stocks, and hurting fishermen who are doing things right and playing by the rules. Our trade agreements give us a vital tool to combat this ecological and commercial threat.”
“The Transpacific Partnership is on track to include pioneering commitments to prohibit some of the most harmful fisheries subsidies, as well as combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. When complete, TPP will promote long term conservation of marine resources, including sharks and other threatened species. Not only will these commitments enhance environmental protections, but they will also help safeguard communities and families whose livelihood is put at risk when illegal fishing and harmful fisheries subsidies deplete environmentally and economically-important fish stocks.”
