The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration today accused six foreign nations of illegally fishing.

In a first-of-its-kind report submitted to Congress, NOAA says France, Italy, Libya, Panama, the People’s Republic of China, and Tunisia “engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated” fishing in the last two years.

The next step will involve NOAA either being satisfied that these countries are “adopting effective measures to stop IUU [illegal, unreported, and unregulated] fishing” or declaring that they are still doing it. If it’s the latter Barack Obama may find himself denying these countries’ ships entry into US ports or prohibiting imports of their fish.

“Illegal fishing is a global problem that is depleting fish stocks and hurting the economies of nations and the livelihoods of people who depend on sustainable fishing,” says Jim Balsiger, NOAA’s acting assistant administrator for fisheries (press release). “Our report is part of stepped up efforts called for by Congress to work with other nations to stop illegal fishing on shared fish stocks.”

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6 nations accused of fishing violations – AP

Image: detail from ‘Shad-fishing at night on the Susquehanna River’ / NOAA Historic Fisheries Collection