83R30227 BPG-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 2676
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a
global problem with serious economic, environmental, and security
implications; and
WHEREAS, Worldwide, illegal fishing accounts for economic
losses of up to $23 billion per year; such activity is largely
conducted by foreign fleets at the expense of United States
fishermen, coastal communities, and the sustainability of global
fish stocks; and
WHEREAS, Illegal fishing is of particular consequence in
Texas, where the Gulf Coast waters supply seafood for the American
public and support the hospitality industry, tourism-related
businesses, and vibrant recreational fishing; not only does illegal
fishing result in economic losses to the Texas fishing industry and
other coastal businesses, but it also is a threat to the
sustainability of our fisheries and to the Texas Gulf Coast
ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, Vessels involved with illegal fishing are also
associated with other crimes, including drug trafficking, human
trafficking, and illegal immigration, and the incursion by these
foreign fishing vessels into U.S. waters constitutes a violation of
our sovereignty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby express its commitment to the elimination of
illegal fishing, to the long-term conservation of Texas marine
resources, and to the protection of the Texas Gulf Coast fishing and
coastal communities.