TITLE: Expressing a commitment to the elimination of illegal fishing and to the conservation of Texas marine resources.

SUMMARY: Expressing a commitment to the elimination of illegal fishing and to the conservation of Texas marine resources.

FULL TEXT:
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.