Washington, D.C.: A bipartisan group of senior US senators has urged the US Treasury Department to expand sanctions targeting the logistical network that supports China’s distant-water fishing fleet, arguing that disrupting supply vessels could curb alleged illegal fishing, environmental degradation and labour abuses linked to the industry.
In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the lawmakers called for refrigerated cargo ships, fuel tankers and other support vessels—along with their owners and beneficial owners—to be added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List. The senators also identified 29 support vessels they believe should be considered under the proposed sanctions framework.
The lawmakers contend that while previous sanctions have focused primarily on fishing vessels, the fleet’s extensive logistical network has enabled many operations to continue largely unaffected. Support ships allow fishing vessels to remain at sea for prolonged periods by supplying fuel, food, medical assistance and equipment while transporting catches back to shore, reducing the need to enter ports where enforcement measures could be applied.
The proposal reflects growing concerns in Washington over allegations of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, environmental harm and labour rights violations associated with parts of China’s distant-water fishing industry. Senator Ted Cruz, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, said the fleet has been linked to destructive fishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems and protected species. He also cited allegations of forced labour and poor working conditions aboard some vessels.
According to the senators, estimates place China’s distant-water fishing fleet at between 2,000 and 16,000 vessels. They argued that the fleet has accounted for a significant share of global fishing activity in recent years, operating extensively across the waters of dozens of countries. The lawmakers maintain that targeting the support infrastructure rather than only the fishing vessels themselves would be a more effective enforcement strategy.
Senator Dan Sullivan said support vessels are particularly vulnerable because they depend on access to international ports, insurers, financial institutions and fuel suppliers. If sanctioned, these ships could face restrictions on port entry, insurance coverage, financing and commercial transactions, potentially increasing operational costs and disrupting the fleet’s logistics network.
The initiative has drawn bipartisan backing from senators including Tom Cotton, Chris Coons, Roger Wicker, Todd Young, Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn and Andy Kim. While each highlighted different concerns—including maritime security, sustainability of global fish stocks, supply chain resilience and labour rights—the group agreed that strengthening financial sanctions on logistical support vessels could enhance enforcement against alleged illegal fishing activities.
The proposal underscores increasing US scrutiny of China’s global maritime operations and reflects broader efforts by American lawmakers to address concerns over environmental protection, international fisheries management and human rights through targeted economic measures. China has previously defended its distant-water fishing industry, stating that its fleets operate in accordance with international law and applicable regulations.
