In the early 19th century, the seizure of vessels by North African Barbary pirates became a crisis for the young American republic. President Thomas Jefferson issued instructions in 1802 to his naval commanders: “You are hereby authorized and directed to subdue, seize, and make prize of all vessels, goods, and effects belonging to the [Barbary Pirates]. …”
President Donald Trump should adopt a similarly aggressive approach to China’s fishing super-fleets, which are an illegal and disgraceful international menace. He should treat Chinese overfishing in the Western Hemisphere as a threat to U.S. security and interests, much as he treats the drug trade. The time for decisive action is long overdue.
Last September, hundreds of dead dolphins washed up on the Somali coast after being struck by the high-intensity sonar used by a Chinese fishing fleet. The sonar appears to have concussed the animals to death. There was no accountability, no apology, and
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