SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71
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 United States waters constitutes a
violation of our sovereignty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
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.
Taylor
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 14, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate