State Department Bars 26 Foreign Nationals Over Illegal Fishing

The State Department imposed visa restrictions on 26 foreign nationals last month for alleged involvement in illegal fishing. The restrictions apply to individuals accused of harvesting Patagonian toothfish illegally and smuggling endangered species across the southern border.

The move marks the first time visa bans have been used to target marine poaching, according to the State Department. It stems from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump to restore American seafood competitiveness.

Ferrara allegedly intervened to prevent the Argentine Navy from seizing the Tai An, a Chinese-owned vessel intercepted in 2024 with 163 tons of illegally caught Patagonian toothfish. Jose Ali Amador, a Mexican national, was also named. He is accused of plundering totoaba, an endangered fish whose swim bladders are trafficked for prices between $20,000 and $80,000 per kilo.

The administration has proposed a $1.6 billion funding cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It has also accelerated deep-sea mining licenses and rescinded protective status for waters off New England’s coastline in February. The State Department stated the restrictions aim to stop individuals who ignore rules for short-term gain at the expense of U.S. consumers and producers.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said those who illegally deplete fishing resources are not welcome in the country. Andrea Crosta, founder of Earth League International, said the visa restrictions disrupt trafficking networks by limiting access to U.S. safe houses and financial institutions.

Crosta previously provided the State Department with names of 300 individuals involved in seafood, weapons, and drug smuggling. Sarah Uhlemann, senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said the administration is reducing domestic marine protections while enforcing standards abroad.