This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, shellfish, and marine conservation. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan Announced

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, effective April 1, 2026, for the 2026 and 2027 fishing years. The rule increases days-at-sea allocations for limited access vessels and opens Elephant Trunk and Area I rotational areas, while maintaining closures for several zones to protect juvenile scallops. Catch limits are set with an overfishing limit (OFL) of 19,645 mt (2026) and 21,741 mt (2027), and acceptable biological catch (ABC) of 12,757 mt (2026) and 14,206 mt (2027). Research and observer set-asides remain; the Northern Gulf of Maine set-aside is reduced. The rule projects a 31% increase in net revenues, estimating $56 million in benefits. NMFS is seeking comments until April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Halibut Fisheries: 2026 Annual Management Measures Released

NOAA issued the 2026 annual management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries, with a coastwide Total Constant Exploitation Yield (TCEY) of 29.33 million pounds, a 1.3% decrease from 2025. Allocations are revised for regulatory Areas 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3A, with specific commercial and recreational dates. The IPHC reported spawning biomass is near historic lows but increased slightly. Management details include retention limits and revised seasons, balancing conservation targets with economic impacts. Further measures for Area 2A and other fisheries are pending under separate rulemaking.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Northeast Skate Complex: 2026–2028 Specifications Proposed

NMFS proposed new specifications for the Northeast skate fishery for the years 2026–2028, increasing ABC and annual catch limits to 41,282 mt for 2026–2027, a 28% boost from 2024–2025. A downward revision is projected for 2028. The rule raises per-trip possession limits for skate wing and bait fisheries, aiming to enhance operational flexibility. The regulation addresses impacts to small entities and projects up to $900,908 in revenue gains from increased limits. Provisions for accountability measures are retained to cap landings within set targets. Public comment is open until April 10, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Sablefish IFQ and CDQ Season Opened for Alaska

NMFS opened directed sablefish fisheries managed under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) and Community Development Quota (CDQ) Programs. The season runs 1200 hours A.l.t., March 26, 2026, to December 7, 2026. These dates align with commercial halibut fisheries but differ by opening and closing hours. Regulations require gear deployment for sablefish after 1200 hours on March 26, with maximum retainable amounts specified. Temporary rules ensure concurrent opening with halibut fisheries, permitting efficient operations and bycatch minimization.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Agriculture Day Proclaimed

President Trump proclaimed March 24, 2026, as National Agriculture Day, noting the contributions of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers to the United States. The proclamation cites investments in soil health, water quality, food supply, and supply chain resilience, including $40 billion in assistance for those affected by policy and trade practices. The President encouraged recognition of agriculture's central role in the nation’s economy and rural communities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025

S.688, the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025, aims to address illegal harvests in overseas seafood supply chains. The measure remains held at the desk following Senate introduction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Save Our Shrimpers Act

H.R.2071, Save Our Shrimpers Act, was placed on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 491. The bill targets foreign trade and aims to support domestic shrimpers in the face of market disruptions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to expand USDA loan and grant eligibility for fishing and mariculture businesses

S.4236 proposes amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to offer Department of Agriculture loans and grants to fishing and mariculture businesses. The bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act

S.4250, concerning sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety, was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It aims to update restoration funding and recreation safety provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

H.R.6893, the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act, focuses on training and scientific restoration efforts within the watershed. The latest action involves subcommittee hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Thai fishing industry nears a standstill as Iran war pushes up fuel costs: Southeast Asian fishing fleets are impacted by rising fuel prices due to international conflict.
• The seafood industry bets Americans will finally eat more fish if it looks more like meat: U.S. seafood producers are experimenting with meat-like flavors and textures to increase fish consumption.
• Half of Dutch fleet idle as European fishing hit by high diesel prices: European fishing operations face significant disruptions as diesel costs trigger half the Dutch fleet to tie up.
• With a Landmark Report and Historic Investments, California Doubles Down on Ocean Health: California publishes ocean health benchmarks and invests in marine resources.
• What you might have missed: March's most-read fishing news: National Fisherman highlights key developments affecting U.S. fisheries in March.

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