The HARPOON Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Defense to help train and equip foreign military and coast guard forces to fight illegal fishing operations around the world. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing—often called IUU fishing—is when fishing vessels operate without proper permits, hide their activities, or fish in areas where it's not allowed. This practice harms ocean ecosystems, threatens fish populations, and often involves organized crime and corruption.

Under this bill, the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard can work with other countries to set up joint patrols and capacity-building programs to catch and stop illegal fishing operations. This means U.S. military and coast guard personnel would partner with foreign counterparts to patrol ocean areas, share training and expertise, and coordinate enforcement efforts. The goal is to protect marine resources while also combating transnational crime and strengthening regional security partnerships.

The bill requires the Navy Secretary and Coast Guard Commandant to report to Congress annually about their progress. These reports must identify which countries and regions want to partner with the U.S., explain any resource limitations that prevent stronger cooperation, assess how well the programs are working, and recommend ways to improve effectiveness. This ensures Congress stays informed about how the military is using its authority to address illegal fishing on a global scale.