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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Monkfish Framework Adjustment 17 Proposed for Northeast U.S. Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries has proposed Framework Adjustment 17 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan for fishing years 2026-2028 in the Northeastern U.S. The action would adjust quotas, simplify Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Overage Accountability Measures (AMs), and allow for default catch specifications if new limits are not finalized in time. The quotas maintain the status quo for ABC and ACL in Northern and Southern areas, with the Northern Total Allowable Landings reduced by 3% and the Southern area increased by less than 1%. The Regional Administrator would be solely responsible for triggering AMs, replacing previous Council action requirements. Public comments are being accepted until May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Shrimp Import Certification for 2026 Announced by U.S. Department of State

On April 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of State certified multiple nations and fisheries whose wild-caught shrimp and shrimp products are eligible for U.S. import, pursuant to Section 609 of Public Law 101-162. Certified countries include Canada, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and others, along with specific fisheries in nations such as Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Spain. For nations not listed, only aquaculture-harvested shrimp are eligible. All imports must be accompanied by a completed DS-2031 Shrimp Exporter's/Importer's Declaration, with procedure details outlined in the notice effective April 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Marine Mammals and Endangered Species Permits Issued Under MMPA and ESA

NOAA announced the issuance of two marine mammal and endangered species permits: File No. 28294 for Matthew Fisher of Normandeau Associates, Inc. (issued March 30, 2026), and File No. 29044 for Amanda Bishop, Ph.D., at University of Alaska Anchorage (issued April 1, 2026). The permits were issued after compliance checks under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, including assessments for environmental impact and adherence to regulations. All documentation is available via written request to NOAA.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Island Fisheries: Annual Catch Limits for Guam Bottomfish Proposed

NOAA Fisheries is proposing an increased Annual Catch Limit (ACL) for Guam bottomfish management unit species from 31,000 to 34,500 pounds, reflecting improved stock productivity. The proposed rule replaces in-season closures with a post-season overage adjustment: if average catch over three years exceeds the ACL, the next year’s ACL is reduced by the overage. The stricter closure standard is removed, reverting to Fishery Ecosystem Plan criteria. The stock is no longer overfished, with a target rebuilding year of 2031 and no new reporting requirements. Public comments are accepted until May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

2026 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for Gag in the South Atlantic

NOAA Fisheries has implemented a closure for the recreational harvest of gag in South Atlantic Federal waters effective August 2, 2026, through January 1, 2027. The action follows a 2025 recreational landings overage, with landings reaching 187,751 pounds—exceeding the annual catch limit by 11,086 pounds. The closure aims to prevent the 2026 recreational ACL from being surpassed and applies a zero bag and possession limit for gag during the closed period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

FISH Act of 2025

Bill 3756, the FISH Act of 2025, covering public lands and natural resources, was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute by unanimous consent. The bill advances fishery-related policy matters through the legislative process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill on Alaska Sea Otter Handicraft Trade

Bill 8401 seeks to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to permit the transport, purchase, and sale of pelts, handicrafts, garments, and art made from Southcentral and Southeast Alaska northern sea otters taken for subsistence purposes. It has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

Bill 7331, titled the Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries for consideration. The bill addresses water resources development relevant to fish habitat and industry operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026

Bill 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, has been referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The bill relates to federal water project consultations with implications for habitat and resource management.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Direct Federal Hatchery Infrastructure Transfer to Nisqually Indian Tribe

Bill 7515 was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The bill aims to convey Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, impacting tribal fisheries operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Joins International Union for Conservation of Nature

California has become the first U.S. subnational government to officially join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), leveraging its role in global marine and biodiversity leadership.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Delta Conveyance Project Advances Toward Construction in California

California's Delta Stewardship Council certified the Delta Conveyance Project's consistency, marking progress toward final permitting. The project strengthens water supply reliability and fisheries protections.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

$16.6M Great Lakes Seaway Trail Bridge Upgrades Begin in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul announced upgrades for six bridges and one culvert on State Route 3 and 12E, improving access to Lake Ontario fishing, boating, and recreation sites.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Ohio Opens Visitor Center and Cabins in Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources opened new amenities in the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area and at Jesse Owens State Park, supporting outdoor engagement and tourism.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• E&E News: Consumers adrift as seafood sustainability gets complicated: Seafood sustainability definitions are confusing consumers as eco-certification standards evolve.
• Consumers are lost at sea as seafood sustainability grows more complex: The seafood industry faces scrutiny from consumers as sustainable seafood certification becomes increasingly complex.

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