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: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

NMFS Proposes 2026 Catch Specifications for Mid-Atlantic Blueline and Golden Tilefish

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released proposed specifications for the 2026 fishing year for golden tilefish and blueline tilefish fisheries north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. Notably, the commercial total allowable landings (TAL) for blueline tilefish would increase by 426% and the recreational TAL by 350%, based on updated assessment data from SEDAR 92. The golden tilefish specifications remain unchanged from prior projections. The Mid-Atlantic Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee apportioned 70% of the blueline tilefish Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) to the Mid-Atlantic region. No changes to management measures are proposed for either fishery. The proposed rule will be open for public comments until April 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FDA Solicits Information on Market Name Update for Rockfish (Sebastes spp.)

The Food and Drug Administration is requesting public input on a possible revision of the acceptable market name for several rockfish species (Sebastes spp.), following a directive in Section 777 of Public Law 119-37. The request for information addresses labeling guidelines, food safety hazards, allergen implications, and economic impacts, seeking evidence related to naming rockfish varieties such as S. alutus, S. flavidus, and others. Comments must be submitted by May 1, 2026. The FDA intends to assess consumer understanding, impacts to seafood labeling, and industry operations before further updates to The Seafood List and related compliance guidance documents.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Considers Renewal of Exempted Fishing Permit for Skate Wing Fisheries in the Atlantic

The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, in partnership with Red's Best, LLC, has requested renewal of an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), allowing federally permitted vessels to exceed skate wing possession limits for research purposes, with up to 650 experimental trips approved for the 2026 fishing year. Under this EFP, trip limits could increase to 7,000 lbs (Season 1) and 9,000 lbs (Season 2) per trip. NMFS has included conditions to prevent surpassing the 85% Total Allowable Landings threshold and will monitor market impacts and monkfish accountability measures. Comments are due April 17, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Issues Pacific Cod and Pollock Reallocation Notices in Alaska

NMFS reallocated 930 metric tons of unused Pacific cod TAC from jig gear vessels to catcher vessels under 60 feet with hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, effective April 2 to December 31, 2026. Additionally, projected unused Aleut Corporation and CDQ pollock allowances in the Aleutian Islands subarea were reallocated to Bering Sea allocations, reflecting capacity among Bering Sea sectors. These reallocations adjust sector and seasonal quotas following recent harvest data; notice and comment periods were waived due to urgent timing requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Requests Comments on Proposed Modification to Marine Mammal IHA in Sitka, Alaska

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Coast Guard to modify an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for activities associated with fast response cutter homeporting construction in Sitka, Alaska. The modification would alter duration, project design, and take estimates for nine marine mammal species, and includes revised mitigation and monitoring measures. The public comment period runs until April 17, 2026, in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and related environmental compliance procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8195: Regional Management Frameworks for Double-Crested Cormorants

Bill 8195 directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop regional management frameworks for the take of double-crested cormorants. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8165: Animal Protein Purchases in Food Assistance

Bill 8165 proposes to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by increasing purchases of animal protein for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 under the Emergency Food Assistance Act. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The Fragile Hope for Salmon Recovery in Maine: Atlantic salmon in Maine face ongoing challenges linked to climate change and river habitat.
• Italian bill offers incentives for fishing nets to shield Ukraine from drones: Italy considers incentives for fishing net deployments as tactical measures aiding drone defense.

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