Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026

This bill updates federal regulations to strengthen protections against illegal fishing by targeting vessels flagged under nations that fail to verify a genuine connection to their owners. It requires the Secretary of Commerce to revise the legal definition of illegal fishing to align with specific standards from the Maritime SAFE Act within 90 days of enactment. Additionally, the law mandates that countries allowing vessels without a verified link between the nation and the vessel's beneficial owners be held accountable for not fulfilling their flag state responsibilities. These changes aim to ensure that foreign-flagged vessels operating in U.S. waters are subject to stricter oversight and enforcement measures.