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: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

NOAA Rescinds Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Commercial Fishing Prohibition

NOAA issued a final rule, effective April 3, 2026, rescinding regulations that prohibited commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. This action aligns federal regulations with the February 6, 2026 Presidential Proclamation permitting commercial fishing in the Monument, fully removing previous restrictions except for American lobster and Atlantic deep-sea red crab. The rule eliminates 50 CFR 600.725(x), previously reflecting the ban, and clarifies regulatory status for industry operations in the area, avoiding delays that could lead to confusion. No prior notice or public comment was deemed necessary owing to the immediacy dictated by the proclamation. Tribal consultation and additional regulatory analysis requirements were not triggered.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Alaska Pacific Cod Trawl Closure Announced for Central GOA

NMFS closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, effective April 7, 2026, through September 1, 2026. The closure prevents the sector from exceeding its A season allowable catch, fixed at 5,233 metric tons for 2026. An incidental catch reserve of 750 metric tons is set aside to support other groundfish fisheries. Retainable amounts for Pacific cod will remain governed by regulations during the closure. The rule was issued without prior notice due to the urgency of fisheries data, and is exempt from Executive Order 12866 review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative Cost Recovery Fee Set at 3% for 2025

NMFS published a notice setting the cost recovery fee percentage for the Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative Program in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands at 3 percent for 2025. The standard price for Pacific cod is $0.25 per pound, with fee calculation based on direct program management costs and harvested value. The increase from 1.92 percent in 2024 is attributed to a rise in management costs and a decrease in total fishery value. Fee payments were due August 31, 2025; late payment results in cooperative permit ineligibility. The notice details the pricing methodology and administrative process.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Shrimp Antidumping Duty Administrative Review Partially Rescinded

The Department of Commerce rescinded the administrative review of antidumping duties for certain frozen warmwater shrimp from India for several companies, after confirming no suspended entries during the February 2024–January 2025 period. A list of companies excluded from the review, and those still under review, was published. For rescinded companies, duties will be assessed at the previously required rates and importers must file the appropriate certificates. Administrative protective order responsibilities and deadlines were reiterated, and assessment instructions will be issued 35 days after publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Northeast Multispecies Fishery: Monitoring Service Providers Approved

NMFS approved nine companies to provide at-sea and electronic catch monitoring services for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery in fishing year 2026 (May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027). Applications for new providers were not received; all currently approved companies maintained their performance standards and submitted updated documentation. Service providers include both ASM/EM and EM-only companies, and must submit updated insurance documents as required. NMFS may withdraw approval during the term if standards are not met. The status and regulatory requirements for monitoring providers are detailed, and the operation of the dockside MREM program remains suspended.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

Bill 8195, titled the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The proposal addresses management and control measures for cormorant populations affecting fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025

Bill 4219, the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025, focuses on public lands and natural resources and was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries for further consideration. The legislation aims to support strike teams targeting invasive species in wildlife refuges.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

Bill 7288, the Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act, concerns water resources development and was sent to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The bill seeks to authorize a feasibility study for regional water supply infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Ocean protections clash with mining pressure in Indonesia’s most diverse marine ecosystem: Marine conservation efforts in Raja Ampat face challenges amid mining demand.
• The fight for control of an iconic Florida fish scales up: Legal and regulatory disputes intensify over Florida’s red snapper fishery.

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