H.R. 6150: Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025, aims to amend the existing Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The main purpose of this amendment is to expand the definitions and classifications of what can be considered a fishery resource disaster, specifically by adding "economic cause" as a valid reason for declaring such a disaster.

Key Amendments

• Inclusion of Economic Causes: The bill introduces "economic cause" as a term that allows for the identification of economic activities carried out by foreign entities that may disrupt fishery resources. This includes:
  • Market distortion for a fishery resource
  • Disruption of sustainable fishing practices
  • Hindrance to the economic viability of fisheries
• Definition of Foreign Person: The bill clarifies that a "foreign person" includes individuals and entities that are not U.S. citizens, as well as foreign governments and organizations.
• Clarifications on Disaster Declarations: The proposed legislation specifies that any request for a disaster declaration must include information on how foreign activities may have adversely affected the viability of the fishery. This includes forms of fishing that are illegal or unregulated, predatory pricing practices, and the provision of subsidies by foreign entities that affect U.S. seafood prices.
• Expanded Argument Requirements: The bill also expands the requirements for submitting claims regarding economic causes, ensuring that the documentation reflects the adverse impacts of foreign fishing activities on local fishing economies.

Impact on Fishing Communities

By recognizing economic causes as factors in declaring resource disasters, the bill aims to provide more support for fishing communities that may be negatively impacted by international competition and practices. The changes are intended to enhance the ability of U.S. fisheries to respond to both environmental and economic challenges.

Reporting Requirements

Entities requesting a declaration of fishery resource disaster will need to provide detailed documentation regarding any significant disruptions to the local fishery economy caused by foreign activities. This aims to strengthen the considerations taken by regulators when determining the status of fisheries.

Goals of the Bill

• To better protect U.S. fisheries from the adverse economic impacts of foreign competition.
• To provide a framework for addressing both ecological and market-related threats to fisheries.
• To support the sustainability of fishing communities by recognizing the economic aspects that contribute to fishery disasters.

Relevant Companies

• Domo Inc. (DOMO): May be indirectly affected if they engage in technology services geared towards fisheries management and data analysis.
• Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN): As a major player in the food supply chain and seafood processing, potential changes in fishery management could impact sourcing practices.