Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing endangers fisheries across the globe that contribute to economic growth, food systems, and ecosystems, and the Trump administration is trying to crack down on violations in the Gulf. The Washington Examiner traveled to the South Padre Island and Air Station Corpus Christi to ride along with the Coast Guard during a boat patrol tour and take a daily overflight tour of the Deep Gulf. Installment two of In too deep: Illegal fishing in the Gulf — and the Coast Guard’s action plan explores how changes in Justice Department policy have led to greater enforcement of fishing restrictions.

The U.S. military and relevant law enforcement agencies have reported an initial dip in illegal fishing activities in the Gulf of America in recent months after the Justice Department began arresting and prosecuting people instead of releasing them back to Mexico.