The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act advanced from the Senate Commerce Committee in another effort to protect U.S. fishermen and seafood producers.

Just last week, the U.S. Coast Guard arrested a lancha crew off the coast of Texas with 200 pounds of illegal red snapper. Lanchas, or small fishing boats used by Mexican fishermen, catch red snapper and transport them back into the U.S. to compete with American commercial fishermen.

The new act, backed by U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain species of tuna.

Erica Thomas of 1819 News reported on the new act which would help local fishermen/women. "Advancing the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act is a first step to protecting Alabama's fishermen and putting cartel-backed poachers on notice for their illicit activities in the Gulf," said Britt. "This legislation will help ensure a level playing field for our fishermen and send a strong message to Mexico that illegal actions will no longer be tolerated."

Britt, who introduced similar legislation last year, applauds those who protect Americans from Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.

"Senate Republicans are committed to putting America first, which requires legislation that protects hardworking Americans, including our tremendous Gulf of America red snapper fishermen and food producers in Alabama," she said. "These Alabamians deserve fairness when fishing and selling their products in the market."

The legislation would develop a field test to identify the origin of fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper and tuna. 

The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act now heads to the full Senate for consideration.