SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71
	WHEREAS, Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a
	global problem with serious economic, environmental, and
	security implications; and
	WHEREAS, Worldwide, illegal fishing accounts for economic
	losses of up to $23 billion per year; such activity is largely
	conducted by foreign fleets at the expense of United States
	fishermen, coastal communities, and the sustainability of global
	fish stocks; and
	WHEREAS, Illegal fishing is of particular consequence in
	Texas, where the Gulf Coast waters supply seafood for the
	American public and support the hospitality industry,
	tourism-related businesses, and vibrant recreational fishing;
	not only does illegal fishing result in economic losses to the
	Texas fishing industry and other coastal businesses, but it also
	is a threat to the sustainability of our fisheries and to the
	Texas Gulf Coast ecosystem; and
	WHEREAS, Vessels involved with illegal fishing are also
	associated with other crimes, including drug trafficking, human
	trafficking, and illegal immigration, and the incursion by these
	foreign fishing vessels into United States waters constitutes a
	violation of our sovereignty; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
	Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby express its commitment
	to the elimination of illegal fishing, to the long-term
	conservation of Texas marine resources, and to the protection of
	the Texas Gulf Coast fishing and coastal communities.
	Taylor
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on June 14, 2013.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate