Illegal fishing. Yes, Fishing. This growing international problem is a key factor in geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, piracy off the Horn of Africa, and the deadly narco-trade across Latin America.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, an illicit business which generates annual profits of $15.5 billion to $36.4 billion, poses a significant environmental security threat. It threatens the ecological, economic and food security of many nations, is closely connected with transnational organized crime groups such as drug dealers and arms traffickers, and even contributes to terrorism, maritime piracy and geopolitical instability. These threats require a coordinated whole of government response by the United States working with partner governments, conservation organizations and private industry.

This article was originally published by Breaking Defense on February 20, 2018. Read the full article here.