June 12, 2026 — Through the strategic use of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and executive action, NOAA Fisheries has successfully removed red tape, reversed decades-old closures, and maximized harvest quotas. These actions have unlocked billions of dollars in economic value, secured vital domestic supply chains, and established collaborative partnerships with the commercial fishing fleet.
Unleashing Historic Economic Value and Quota Increases
The Administration has expedited openings and increased catch limits based on the best available science, delivering financial returns to coastal communities.
Alaska Groundfish ($2.9+ Billion Impact)
Novel Approaches to Allow for Opening of Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries published final rules for harvest specifications in both the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands in 2025 and 2026. This decisive administrative action ensured these critical groundfish fisheries opened on time, with quotas strictly grounded in the best scientific information available.
Economic Impact
These fisheries include the Bering Sea pollock fishery, the largest U.S. fishery by volume. According to the 2024 Economic Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report (the best available data as of February 2026), these timely rulemakings secure a total value of $301.1 million for the Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries and more than $2.64 billion for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands groundfish fisheries.
Pacific Halibut Fishery ($126.5 Million Value)
Expediting Opening of U.S. Halibut Fishery
NOAA revised its approach to data collection and regulatory implementation in order to allow for the timely opening of the Alaskan Groundfish and Halibut fisheries.
Economic Impact
While 2025 estimates are pending, in 2024, commercial landings of Pacific halibut in Alaska totaled approximately 14.37 million pounds and were valued at more than $126.5 million, according to the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region catch accounting system and fishery volume and value reports.
Reviving West Coast Salmon ($76 Million Impact)
2026 Ocean Harvest Salmon Management Measures
This action resulted in the first full commercial salmon fishery off the West Coast in 3 years. The 2026 fisheries will successfully expand fishing days in the California recreational and commercial fisheries and southern Oregon compared to 2025.
Economic Impact
The 2026 season will support more jobs and more than $76 million in revenue or value. This represents an anticipated 63 percent increase in coastwide commercial ex-vessel value and an increase of more than 30 percent in community income impacts for the recreational fishery compared to 2025.