83S10241 KEK-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 28
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 threatens the sustainability
of our fisheries and the Texas Gulf Coast ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, Vessels involved with illegal fishing are
associated with other crimes as well, 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, 1st Called Session, 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.