May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026

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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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

2026 Pacific Whiting Harvest Specifications, Tribal Allocation, and Incidental Set-Aside Finalized

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a final rule establishing the 2026 U.S. total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific whiting at 280,744 metric tons, based on a bilateral agreement with Canada. A Tribal allocation of 49,130.20 mt (17.5% of U.S. TAC) was set, following consultations with Washington's Makah, Quileute, Quinault, and Hoh tribes. A 750 mt set-aside for research and incidental mortality in non-groundfish fisheries was maintained, consistent with previous years. The non-Tribal harvest guideline for Pacific whiting is 230,863.80 mt, distributed among the Catcher/Processor Co-op Program (78,493.69 mt), Mothership Co-op Program (55,407.31 mt), and Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota Program (96,962.80 mt). These allocations reflect reduced stock biomass and increased scientific uncertainty, as indicated by recent survey data. Interim allocations were replaced with these final determinations for the 2026 fishing season, effective May 11, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: Vietnam Frozen Warmwater Shrimp

The Department of Commerce issued preliminary results for the antidumping duty administrative review covering frozen warmwater shrimp imports from Vietnam between February 2024 and January 2025. Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company/FIMEX VN received a dumping margin of 10.76%, Soc Trang Seafood Joint Stock Company (STAPIMEX) received 6.30%, and 27 non-individually examined companies were preliminarily assigned 7.56%. Commerce is rescinding the review for eight exporters with no suspended entries. The Vietnam-wide entity retains a rate of 25.76%. Public comments may be submitted for 21 days after publication, with rebuttals five days later; a hearing may be requested within 30 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Antidumping Duty Administrative Review: Thailand Frozen Warmwater Shrimp

Commerce released preliminary results for the 2024-2025 antidumping duty review on frozen warmwater shrimp from Thailand. Thai Royal Frozen Foods Co., Ltd. received a margin of 0.00%, and Thai Union Group Public Co., Ltd. received 1.76%. Non-individually reviewed companies were preliminarily assigned 1.76%. The review was rescinded for 158 companies due to no suspended entries. Cash deposit rates will be updated after final results. Case briefs are due within 21 days, and a hearing may be requested within 30 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Overfishing Determinations for Atlantic Marlin, Snow Crab, and Blue King Crab

NMFS announced that Atlantic white marlin and roundscale spearfish stocks remain overfished, based on a 2025 assessment using data through 2023. Pribilof Island blue king crab and Bering Sea snow crab are also classified as overfished, with snow crab returning to overfished status as of 2025. NMFS is working with relevant councils and international commissions to implement rebuilding plans. These determinations are published under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment for New England Fishery Management Council FMPs

The New England Fishery Management Council submitted the Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to NMFS, seeking increased management flexibility across its fishery management plans (FMPs). Proposed measures include allowing up to five-year specification cycles, permitting in-season adjustments of catch limits, and revising annual report requirements. The amendment aims to align administrative processes and is open for public comment until July 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Closure of Pacific Cod A Season for Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in Western Gulf of Alaska

NMFS closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, effective May 12, 2026, through September 1, 2026, to prevent exceeding the A season TAC allowance of 711 mt. The directed fishing allowance of 701 mt was reached, and 10 mt is set aside for incidental catch supporting other fisheries.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Renewal Request for Incidental Take Permit: Atlantic Sturgeon at Chesterfield Power Station

Dominion Virginia Power requested renewal of an incidental take permit for operations at Chesterfield Power Station in Virginia, authorizing incidental take of up to 109,490 Atlantic sturgeon larvae and 183,630 non-viable eggs over ten years. NMFS is considering the renewal and associated conservation measures, including monitoring and mitigation. Public comment on the application is open until June 10, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Information Collection Renewal: Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging

The Fish and Wildlife Service requested renewal of information collection covering horseshoe crab and fish tagging programs, supporting the estimation of harvest rates, migratory patterns, and regulatory effectiveness. Over 20,000 tags are distributed annually, with collection forms covering species such as striped bass and sturgeon. Comments on the renewal are invited until June 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Information Collection Renewal: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Management Authority

The Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing information collection requirements for permits under laws including Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and CITES. Annual burden covers roughly 8,946 responses from individuals, private sector, and government agencies. Public comments on this extension are invited until June 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Advisory Panel: Upcoming Webinar Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel will hold a webinar meeting June 10, 2026, to develop fishery performance reports and set 2027-2029 specifications for longfin squid and butterfish, potentially considering other management measures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Fishery Management Council Advisory Bodies: Online Meeting Announcement

The Pacific Fishery Management Council will hold an online briefing June 5, 2026, for its Advisory Bodies concerning Special Project 2, 'Decision Making for Stronger Fishing Communities,' focusing on measuring impacts on community resilience. No management actions will be decided during this meeting.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Series Scheduled

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will conduct its 160th Scientific and Statistical Committee and related meetings between June 2 and June 11, 2026, at Hawaii and American Samoa locations. Agenda items span stock assessments, data collection, pelagic management, and administrative matters.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Save Our Shrimpers Act (H.R. 2071)

This bill was received in the Senate after House passage and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It addresses trade provisions for the shrimp industry and international finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to create dedicated funds to conserve butterflies, Pacific plants, freshwater mussels, and desert fish (S. 4543)

Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works, this bill proposes conservation funds for various taxa including freshwater mussels and desert fish.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To prohibit the import of goods produced via deforestation (H.R. 8744)

Introduced in the House, this bill aims to restrict imports of items linked to deforestation, with referral to Ways and Means and additional committees for jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S. 2126)

Placed on the Senate legislative calendar (No. 405), this bill would reauthorize ocean observation systems for environmental and resource monitoring.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Calling for a trade policy supporting workers, consumers, independent farmers, small businesses, and the environment (H. Res. 1286)

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, this resolution advocates a trade policy encompassing economic and environmental interests.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act (H.R. 7487)

Ordered to be reported as a substitute (amended) by a committee vote (21-14), this bill aims to promote rural jobs and hydropower projects.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 Reauthorization (H.R. 7250)

The House ordered this bill to be reported by unanimous consent, seeking to continue rural water supply projects for the Fort Peck Reservation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• FDA Policies: Rigorous Science or Roadblocks?: The Wall Street Journal examines FDA policy impacts on science and industry compliance.
• China’s fishing fleet raises concerns off Argentina: Reuters reports on China’s distant-water fleet activity and regulatory challenges off Argentina.

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