Saving Seafood

Murkowski and Colleagues Work to Modernize Fisheries Science

August 7, 2026 — The following was released by the Office of U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski:

Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced legislation that would help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) better assess and protect our fisheries. The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) and other biomolecular tools into NOAA’s fisheries science programs, allowing for more cost-effective and expanded survey coverage. This would bolster, not replace, traditional stock assessment surveys by providing NOAA with additional scientifically validated tools to improve data collection, expand survey coverage, and strengthen fisheries management.

This bill would establish national standards for this innovative technology while expanding workforce capacity, strengthening interagency coordination, and supporting private-sector innovation without imposing new regulatory burdens. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are co-sponsors.

“Without accurate stock assessments, we cannot make the informed, science-based management decisions needed to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable for generations to come,” said Senator Murkowski. “Environmental DNA is an innovative, cost-effective tool that will give our scientists a clearer picture of our fisheries while expanding survey coverage and reducing costs. This legislation is the product of extensive collaboration with NOAA, Alaska fishermen, Tribal partners, academia, and industry to modernize how we assess fish stocks using the best available science.”

“With climate change wreaking havoc on fisheries, researchers need to stay ahead of the curve,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This bill will allow NOAA to harness new technologies to keep fish stocks healthy and robust.”

“Reliable fisheries surveys and stock assessments are the foundation of sustainable fisheries management,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I’ve consistently fought to ensure NOAA maintains robust fisheries survey coverage in Alaska, where changing ocean conditions are impacting our subsistence, recreational, and commercially important species and the communities that depend on them. As fish stocks shift and ocean conditions become more variable, we need to invest in both the traditional surveys that have served us for decades and innovative technologies that can make those surveys even stronger. By thoughtfully investing in and integrating new tools, we can improve the quality of stock assessments, better support our fishermen and communities, and ensure America’s fisheries remain among the best managed in the world.”

“To implement the best possible fisheries management strategies, we need the best available data,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill modernizes federal fisheries science and invests in innovative data collection and analysis. Bolstering our tools to monitor fisheries is critical to supporting both Oregon fishermen and responsible, sustainable fishing for generations to come.”

“Environmental DNA is a promising new tool for fisheries and ecosystem assessment that could improve fisheries management while also lowering costs,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “Senator Murkowski’s Fisheries Science Modernization Act will advance this technology while also improving oversight and collaboration.?ALFA supports this bill and applauds Senator Murkowski for her commitment to science-based management of Alaska’s fisheries.”

“The Fisheries Science Modernization Act comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. fisheries management,” said Austen Thomas, Senior Application Scientist. “As an eDNA service provider, Wilderlab USA sees firsthand how environmental DNA can expand monitoring coverage, reduce survey costs, and deliver data on species that traditional methods often miss. This bill’s focus on national standards and predictable procurement pathways is exactly what the private sector needs to invest with confidence in U.S. eDNA capacity. By bringing the private sector into closer partnership with NOAA and other resource agencies, this legislation will help ensure fisheries decisions are grounded in the best available science. We commend Senator Murkowski for this forward-looking legislation and look forward to supporting NOAA’s efforts to modernize how we understand and manage our nation’s fisheries.”

“United Catcher Boats supports the Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026 and appreciates Senator Murkowski’s continued leadership in advancing science-based fisheries management,” said Andrea Keikkala, Executive Director of United Catcher Boats. “Senator Murkowski has long demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of sound fisheries science and the need to ensure NOAA Fisheries has the tools necessary to sustainably manage our nation’s fisheries. We appreciate her leadership in championing innovative technologies that have the potential to strengthen stock assessments, expand scientific capacity, and improve fisheries management. We recommend that Congress ensure NOAA Fisheries has adequate resources to successfully implement these important new responsibilities without reducing investment in existing stock assessments, fishery-independent surveys, cooperative research, observer programs, or other core science activities that are fundamental to science-based fisheries management. Investments in eDNA should complement, rather than displace, the core science programs that have made the United States the global leader in sustainable fisheries management.”

“The United States is a global leader in sustainable fisheries because of our commitment to science-based management,” said Joanna Slaney, Environmental Defense Fund’s Vice President for Political and Government Affairs. “As technology and science continue to advance, it is crucial for NOAA to examine innovative methods to collect fisheries data and further the best available science. EDF appreciates Senator Murkowski and Senator Whitehouse’s leadership to further science that supports thriving ecosystems, fishery resources, and the communities that depend on them.”

“Environmental DNA collection is an exciting new scientific frontier for augmenting our understanding of fisheries and their ecosystems,” said Meredith Moore, Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Fish Conservation. “The Fisheries Science Modernization Act lays a solid foundation for unlocking this new source of data to improve fisheries management.”

“America’s 11.8 million saltwater anglers depend on healthy fisheries, and sound fisheries management starts with sound science,” said Mike Leonard, the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) Vice President of Government Affairs. “Environmental DNA has shown tremendous potential as a tool to supplement traditional fisheries surveys, improve our understanding of marine fish populations, and help managers make more informed decisions. By testing and validating these technologies before incorporating them into stock assessments, the Fisheries Science Modernization Act takes a thoughtful, science-based approach to strengthening marine fisheries research. Better science leads to better management, which ultimately benefits both fish populations and the millions of anglers who contribute more than $145 billion in economic activity to our nation’s coastal communities. ASA appreciates Senator Murkowski’s leadership on this important legislation.”

The legislation is further endorsed by the Cape Cod Fishermen’s Alliance, the Alaska Ocean Observing System, the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program, eDNAtec, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Associationand, the Pacific Seafood Processors Association.

Background

Currently, NOAA’s stock assessment methods are constrained by high operational costs and limited vessel availability, resulting in gaps in survey coverage. The integration of eDNA, already widely used in the private sector, would help close these gaps by enabling sampling in remote or hazardous environments while reducing costs.

The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would provide the federal government with key tools to better protect and grow our fisheries by modernizing how fish stocks are assessed while expanding agencies’ capacity to use eDNA. Specifically, the legislation:

Modernizing Stock Assessments

  • Establishes a NOAA eDNA Fishery Stock Assessment Pilot Program to validate methods across diverse regions and species.
  • Requires NOAA to develop an agency-wide eDNA Implementation Plan detailing how eDNA will be integrated into federally managed fisheries.
  • Directs NOAA to routinely collect eDNA samples during existing surveys to improve accuracy, expand coverage, and build long-term datasets.
  • Integrates eDNA into fisheries research and ecosystem monitoring by amending the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
  • Promotes collaboration among NOAA, fishermen, Tribal Nations, academia, and industry.
  • Requires annual coordination meetings and reports to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Congress to ensure accountability.

Building National eDNA Capacity

  • Creates the National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network (NABCN) to develop national standards for sampling, laboratory workflows, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), metadata, and bioinformatics.
  • Establishes a coordinated multi-agency framework enabling consistent biomolecular monitoring across freshwater, estuarine, coastal, and marine environments.
  • Expands NOAA’s workforce and laboratory capacity while supporting complementary private-sector services.
  • Trains National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) technicians in eDNA collection, handling, and modeling.
  • Supports research, innovation, and technology transfer across agencies, academia, Tribal partners, and industry.
  • Provides transparent performance standards and predictable procurement pathways to encourage U.S. innovation and commercialization of emerging eDNA tools, including autonomous and AI-enabled sampling systems.

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eDNAtec and the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association.

Thank you!

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick goes against top choices for fishery management councils

July 17, 2026 — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has opted to go against some top nominations for U.S. fishery management councils.

In a 26 June announcement Lutnick announced he selected Forrest Bowers, the second choice for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, instead the Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy’s top choice and current Alaska Department of Fish & Game Board Chair Märit Carlson-Van Dort. For the Pacific Fishery Management Council, Lutnick selected second-choice Chad See, director of the Freezer Longline Coalition, over the Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s first pic of Jamie Goen, the executive director of the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers trade group.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

NOAA Fisheries Administrator Issues Statement on Reducing Burdens on Domestic Fishing and Increasing Production

July 2, 2026 — NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler today issued a statement outlining the agency’s priorities for reducing regulatory burdens on domestic fishermen and increasing U.S. seafood production. The statement was released in response to President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and followed input from 787 individuals and organizations, along with action plans submitted by regional fishery management councils. Piñeiro Soler said NOAA Fisheries is prioritizing actions intended to reduce burdens on domestic fishing, increase production, stabilize markets, improve access, and enhance the profitability of U.S. fishing businesses.

The statement includes highlights by region, with priority actions identified for New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Gulf of America, the Pacific, the North Pacific, the Western Pacific, and Highly Migratory Species. In New England, priorities include implementing rotational access for the Northern Edge scallop fishery, implementing scallop permit stacking, rescinding industry-funded monitoring requirements, deprioritizing ropeless-gear requirements, evaluating vessel baseline restrictions with the Mid-Atlantic Council, and considering reopening the Great South Channel habitat management area to surf clam operations.

In the Mid-Atlantic, NOAA Fisheries said it will evaluate vessel baseline restrictions with the New England Council, consider joint council management for squid, mackerel, and butterfish, and deprioritize ropeless-gear requirements. South Atlantic priorities include revising Snapper Grouper permit policies, supporting state agency-led exempted fishing permits for red snapper, and addressing shark and dolphin depredation. For the Caribbean, NOAA identified actions involving territorial management of spiny lobster and queen conch, accountability measures for pelagic stocks and spiny lobster, review of certain marine protected areas, and state-federal regulatory compatibility.

In the Gulf of America, the agency identified refinements to Individual Fishing Quota participation requirements and rulemaking to extend provisions of the DESCEND Act. Pacific priorities include reconsidering redundant shoreside catch monitors and revising Pacific sardine stock definitions. In the North Pacific, NOAA identified review of Steller sea lion closure boundaries, elimination of the 2 percent IFQ deduction for bled sablefish, and rulemaking related to small sablefish voluntary release and maximum retainable amount calculations. Western Pacific priorities include changes to longline turtle measures and swordfish retention limits. For Highly Migratory Species, NOAA said it will review weak hook requirements in the Gulf and retention rules for dead bluefin tuna under 73 inches, and reconsider upgrading restrictions for swordfish handgear limited access permits.

The full statement is reproduced below:

I have served in my role as assistant administrator of NOAA Fisheries for just over a year. In that time, I have prioritized meeting with members and leadership of each regional fishery management council and participating in as many council meetings as possible. I have done so because I truly believe in our democratic council process and have tremendous respect for the work they do and the expertise they bring to it. I learn something from each meeting I join and each constituent I speak with, but there is a common thread: Fishermen just want to fish, and they are asking for our support in overcoming the barriers preventing them from doing so.

The United States is a global leader in sustainable fisheries management. Our participatory, science-based system under 50 years of the Magnuson-Stevens Act has shown that we know how to rebuild stocks and keep them healthy. But despite this foundation, our seafood sector has faced growing pressure from global competition and evolving market demands. Americans want American seafood, but our landings have decreased since 2019. We need to put U.S. seafood first.

In fisheries, as in life, results are what matter. That is why I am eager to share the regulatory actions we have prioritized in response to the President’s Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We received input from 787 individuals and organizations, as well as detailed action plans from each of the regional fishery management councils. I believe this volume of input underscores the urgency of our shared mission and I am grateful to everyone who contributed.

After considering all input from councils, fishing industry, and the public, we have prioritized actions—many of which align with Council identified priorities—we believe will reduce burdens on domestic fishing, increase production, stabilize markets, improve access, and enhance economic profitability. 


Highlights by Region


New England

  • Implement rotational access for the Northern Edge scallop fishery
  • Implement Scallop Permit Stacking
  • Rescind Industry Funded Monitoring requirements
  • Deprioritize advancing requirements for ropeless gear
  • Evaluate vessel baseline restrictions (in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Council)
  • Consider reopening the Great South Channel habitat management area to surfclam operations

Mid-Atlantic

  • Evaluate vessel baseline restrictions (in conjunction with the New England Council)
  • Consider joint council management for squid, mackerel, and butterfish
  • Deprioritize advancing requirements for ropeless gear

South Atlantic

  • Revise Snapper Grouper (SG1) permit policies (Amendment 60) 
  • Support state agency-led exempted fishing permits for red snapper
  • Address shark and dolphin depredation

Caribbean

  • Shift spiny lobster and queen conch to territorial management
  • Revise accountability measures for pelagic stocks and spiny lobster
  • Review effectiveness of marine protected areas (e.g., Tourmaline Bank, Abrir La Sierra)
  • State-federal regulatory compatibility review

Gulf of America

  • Refine Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) participation requirements (Amendments 59A/59B)
  • Prioritize rulemaking to extend provisions of the DESCEND Act

Pacific

  • Reconsider redundant shoreside catch monitors
  • Revise Pacific sardine stock definitions

North Pacific

  • Review Steller sea lion closure boundaries
  • Eliminate 2 percent IFQ deduction for bled sablefish 
  • Prioritize rulemaking for small sablefish voluntary release and maximum retainable amount calculations

Western Pacific

  • Remove shallow-set longline leatherback hard cap and strike two turtle trip limit
  • Remove swordfish retention limit in deep-set longline fishery
  • Remove American Samoa longline turtle mitigation measure 

Highly Migratory Species

  • Review weak hook requirements in the Gulf and retention of dead bluefin tuna less than 73 inches
  • Reconsider upgrading restrictions for swordfish handgear limited access permit

Identifying and implementing these actions are critical steps in our efforts to fulfill the President’s vision of making the United States the world’s dominant seafood leader. I am grateful for our partnership with the councils and for the thorough analysis provided by their members, advisors, and extensive stakeholder engagement. I urge them to further maximize our regulatory efficiency by systematically assessing current Fishery Management Plans, and considering the removal of species that no longer require conservation and management. As stated in the Seafood Executive Order, I strongly encourage the council to collaborate with NOAA Fisheries on the expanded and continued use of Exempted Fishing Permits as an agile management tool to test gear innovations, enhance value-added quality, explore additional fishing opportunities, and safely increase domestic production. In some instances, these priorities may implicate other statutory requirements. Where that applies, NOAA Fisheries will work with the councils to determine how best to advance an action.

Complementing these efforts, NOAA Fisheries is actively evaluating internal actions to support these reforms. As I have said at many of the council meetings I have attended, “I will be back, and I want to come back with good news.” These are the types of actions that will keep the industry moving, and that’s why I do this job: to make sure we do things better. I look forward to advancing these vital reforms together with our councils and all who want to propel our industry.

Eugenio Piñeiro Soler
Assistant Administrator, NOAA Fisheries

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management: Science, Stewardship, and Shared Successes

June 17, 2026 — Fisheries management decisions often involve difficult tradeoffs between conservation goals, economic pressures, and the needs of fishing communities. The Mid-Atlantic region became an early example of how collaborative, science-based management could work across state and federal waters.

That commitment to collaboration helped shape early approaches to fisheries management that evolved into today’s continued efforts. After Congress passed the Magnuson-Stevens Act in 1976, eight newly formed regional councils became the foundation for fisheries management in the United States. In 1977, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council was one of the first councils to implement science-based fishery management plans in partnership with NOAA Fisheries, state agencies, fishermen, and scientists. Their first fishery management plan—covering both Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog—marked the beginning of decades of innovation in fisheries science and management in the region.

Building a Foundation for Sustainable Fisheries Management

Today, the Mid-Atlantic Council manages fisheries for 15 species under seven fishery management plans. The Council’s fishery management plans designate more than 50 forage species and species groups as “ecosystem components.” The Council works closely with NOAA Fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the New England Fishery Management Council, fishermen, researchers, coastal communities, and others to balance conservation goals with economic opportunities.

A hallmark of the Mid-Atlantic region is its collaborative approach between federal and state managers. The Council and the Commission jointly manage several important fisheries across state and federal waters, including commercial and recreational fisheries for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. This level of coordination across jurisdictions is relatively uncommon nationally, and has been an effective approach for cooperative fisheries management of interconnected resources.

Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries

Governor welcomes presidential proclamation supporting American commercial fishing in the Pacific

June 16, 2026 — Gov. David M. Apatang welcomed President Donald J. Trump’s June 11, 2026, signing of the Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific, which restores access to designated fishing grounds within certain Pacific marine national monuments and reaffirms science-based fisheries management under existing federal law.

The proclamation includes portions of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument and places these fisheries within the established management framework of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NOAA Fisheries, and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

The action recognizes the important role Pacific communities play in the stewardship and management of ocean resources.

Read the full article at Marianas Variety

Council Will Mark 50 Years of Regional Fisheries Management at June Meeting

June 15, 2026 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will mark the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) at its June Council Meeting in Mystic, Connecticut on June 23-25, 2026.

SUSTAINING FISHERIES AND FISHING COMMUNITIES SINCE 1976

The Council system was established by Congress through the MSA on April 13,1976. Since their creation, the eight regional Councils have promoted sustainable management of U.S. Fisheries, in partnership with NOAA Fisheries, states, tribes, and communities. The Councils have rebuilt fish stocks, reduced bycatch, and protected essential fish habitat all while supporting sustained harvest with the goal of maximizing benefits to fishing communities and consumers.

To mark the anniversary, the Councils developed an interactive timeline highlighting major milestones in U.S. fisheries management over the past five decades and an online photo slide gallery. The anniversary was also featured by NOAA in a recent story.

JUNE MEETING

The Council will begin its June meeting in Mystic, CT at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. On top of a full, threeday agenda, the Council invites the public to a reception celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act on Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Mystic Hilton Hotel lounge.

For more meeting information including webinar registration, submitting public comment, or directions please visit the June meeting webpage.

President Trump Supports Commercial Fisheries in US Pacific Islands

June 12, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council today welcomed President Trump’s proclamation, Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific, as an important step toward returning fisheries management decisions in the Pacific to the regional council process and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 

“It’s my honor to be taking this action to lower seafood costs and generate millions and millions of dollars in new business for our great fishermen … by restoring commercial access to three areas of the western Pacific Ocean,” President Trump said as he signed the proclamation today.

Council members viewed the White House signing ceremony during the opening session of the third day of the Council’s meeting in Pago Pago. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick acknowledged the importance of fisheries to the U.S. Pacific territories and the State of Hawai‘i.

“We are pleased that under the authority of the Magnusons-Stevens Act, the management of fishing in monument waters is returning to the fishery councils,” said Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds. “The Council is committed to continue working together with our fishing communities in American Samoa, Hawai‘i and the Northern Mariana Islands to discuss and develop fishery management plans in these areas.” 

“Today’s proclamation is a significant and welcome development for American Samoa,” said Council Chair Nathan Ilaoa. “The closure of waters around Rose Atoll has restricted access to important fishing grounds since 2009. As American Samoa invests in a new generation of longer-range fishing vessels, restoring access to these areas will help ensure that local fishermen are able to fully benefit from those investments and continue contributing to our economy and food security.”

At its March 2026 meeting, the Council recommended restoring commercial fishing access to 12 to 50 nautical miles at Muliāva (Rose Atoll), 0 to 50 nm in the Marianas Trench Islands Unit. In Papahānaumokuākea, longline fishing from 0 to 50 nm remains prohibited. For bottomfish and other fisheries, 0 to 3 nm remains closed.

The eight Regional Fishery Management Councils have long affirmed that fisheries management within U.S. exclusive economic zone waters — generally 3 to 200 nm offshore — should be guided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act decision-making process. This process provides multiple opportunities for public review and comment, ensuring that management decisions are informed by the best available science and the needs of affected communities.

The Council also notes that additional federal actions may be necessary before fishing activities can resume in certain areas. Portions of Papahānaumokuākea and Muliāva (Rose Atoll) are also subject to National Marine Sanctuary regulations and other management authorities that may require further coordination and review. 

The proclamation follows a federal review directed by Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which called for an evaluation of commercial fishing opportunities within existing marine national monuments and the impacts of monument fishing restrictions on domestic seafood production and fishing communities. 

Administration Commercial Fishing Industry Wins

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.

Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries

Fishermen prepared for the longest red snapper season in recent memory. A court order stopped it

June 5, 2026 — Miles from shore, Chris Kemp pumps and reels as he battles a fish 150 feet below. Eventually, it gives up, and the 10-pound red snapper is hauled aboard the Jodie Lynn II.

There’s barely time to rejoice. As Kemp raises his trophy for a picture, the charter boat’s captain rushes over and then drives a knifelike tool into the fish’s gas-filled bladder. The procedure, required by federal law, is intended to improve the fish’s chances of survival after release.

“Send it overboard,” orders the captain. And with that, Kemp’s hopes of bringing the fish home to eat was lost.

Recreational fishermen like Kemp are pitched against commercial fishermen and environmentalists in a legal dispute that has halted what was expected to be the longest snapper season in years, reflecting broader tensions over the Trump administration’s efforts to loosen fishing rules and deregulate the seas.

As part of those efforts, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in May exempted states from some restrictions under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the landmark law that guides fisheries management. But the decision was halted at the last minute by a federal judge in Washington who blocked the plan.

Read the full article at the Associated Press

US bill would authorize commercial fishing in marine national monuments

June 4, 2026 — A bill being considered in U.S. Congress would prohibit presidents from prohibiting commercial fishing in marine national monuments, codifying that fishing activities in those areas must be regulated under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA).

Successive presidents’ administrations have used the Antiquities Act to unilaterally establish national marine monuments or to change the protections granted within them, and commercial fishing groups have long bemoaned the use of that power to ban fishing within their boundaries. Former U.S. President Barack Obama prohibited commercial fishing within the nearly 5,000-square-mile Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument when he established it in 2016, and later presidents have alternated between reallowing commercial fishing or banning it again; most recently, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order reauthorizing commercial fishing in the marine national monument.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource