How China’s illegal fishing fleet evades justice

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging the Treasury Department to sanction 29 Chinese support vessels involved in an illegal deep-sea fishing fleet accused of harming marine ecosystems and evading enforcement. They highlight that funds intended to improve tracking of these vessels were largely redirected, stressing the need for enhanced surveillance to hold the fleet accountable and protect marine biodiversity.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging the Treasury Department to impose sanctions on Chinese vessels that support an extensive fleet accused of illegal deep-sea fishing, following concerns over the misuse of federal funds intended to combat the practice.

Last year, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) secured $170 million aimed at enhancing the United States’ ability to track China’s so-called shadow fishing fleet. These vessels, reportedly subsidized by the Chinese government, are known for damaging marine ecosystems and engaging in illegal fishing activities, including the harvesting of endangered species such as sharks and dolphins. The fleet’s support ships enable the fishing vessels to remain at sea for extended periods without returning to port, thereby avoiding international enforcement measures.

However, according to reports, most of the allocated funds were redirected by the Department of Homeland Security under former Secretary Kristi L. Noem, prioritizing other security needs over maritime domain awareness. Significant portions of the funding were reportedly used to purchase counter-drone technology for high-profile events including the World Cup and America250 celebrations.

The reallocation has drawn criticism from a bipartisan coalition of nine senators, led by Cruz, who argue that Congress’s intent was to bolster efforts to monitor and sanction illegal fishing activities. The senators recently petitioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to impose sanctions on 29 Chinese support vessels linked to the fleet, emphasizing that enhanced tracking technology is essential to enforce accountability on the high seas.

While defending national security remains a paramount government responsibility, the senators contend that there was an opportunity to request additional funding for the reallocation if needed. They maintain that resources meant to improve maritime surveillance are critical in countering the environmental and legal challenges posed by the expansive Chinese fishing operations.

The effort to track and sanction these vessels reflects broader concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and the environmental degradation it causes worldwide. Improved monitoring and enforcement remain key components in international efforts to protect marine biodiversity and uphold maritime law.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.