The House of Representatives passed a bill late Thursday introduced by U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) to help the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing – known as “pirate” fishing -- in international waters.

“This is another step to make sure everyone follows the rules and that will help our fishermen, and fish stocks around the world,” Gilchrest said. “In addition to helping the fight to end destructive fishing in international waters, this bill will help strengthen international conservation of fisheries, such as marlin, that are important to Maryland fishermen.”

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) suggests that in some fisheries, pirate fishing accounts for up to 30 percent of total catches.

H.R. 5946 allows the Secretary of Commerce to use market restrictions to force rogue countries into following international conservation rules, as well as to coordinate efforts against pirate fishing with other countries.

The bill also implements two fishery management treaties to get other nations to follow our conservation and management practices in the Pacific Ocean for tuna species and Pacific whiting.

The bills was sponsored by Gilchrest, Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Don Young (R-Alaska), Jim Saxton (R-New Jersey) and Richard Pombo (R-California).

Similar legislation passed the Senate in June.