May 17, 2026 to May 23, 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 West Coast Salmon Fisheries: Final Rule and Management Measures

NMFS has issued the final rule establishing 2026 ocean salmon fisheries management measures off Washington, Oregon, and California. The rule sets fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear specifications, and harvest guidelines for Chinook and coho salmon, including escapement-based annual catch limits (ACLs) for key stocks such as Klamath River fall-run Chinook, Sacramento River fall-run Chinook, and Willapa Bay natural coho. Management addresses constraints for stocks designated as overfished or ESA-listed (KRFC, SRFC, CC Chinook, SONCC coho, OCN coho), with continued rebuilding plans and harvest control rules. The rule also provides for the exercise of tribal fishing rights, in-season management, and requirements for halibut retention. Several fisheries south of Cape Falcon are heavily constrained given weak stock status, and commercial and recreational harvest guidelines are structured to achieve conservation objectives. Key tribal input noted ongoing concern over salmon run declines; the removal of Klamath River dams and associated uncertainties regarding recolonization and productivity are noted. Fisheries north of Cape Falcon are limited by requirements for lower Columbia River coho, OCN coho, and LCR Chinook. Measures affecting vessels include notification and reporting protocols, minimum size requirements, season-specific quotas, and geographic restrictions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Prohibition on Retention of Mobulid Rays in Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries

NMFS has finalized a rule implementing ICCAT Recommendation 24-12, prohibiting retention, landing, or sale of mobulid rays in Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries (tuna, swordfish, billfish, sharks). Vessels must promptly release mobulid rays unharmed and, for pelagic longline gear, use dehooking devices or cutters to minimize trailing line and ensure animals are disentangled. The new rule applies to all HMS-permitted vessels, both commercial and recreational. Existing protocols for bycatch release are mirrored in mobulid handling requirements. No fishery for mobulid rays currently exists in Atlantic HMS fisheries, and the rule clarifies research permit exemptions and aligns domestic regulations with international obligations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Renewal of SeaShare Prohibited Species Donation Permits (Alaska)

NMFS announces the renewal of two prohibited species donation (PSD) permits for SeaShare, authorizing distribution of Pacific salmon and halibut caught incidentally in Alaska groundfish trawl fisheries to hunger relief agencies and food banks. Permits are valid from May 20, 2026 through May 21, 2029, in compliance with the provisions outlined in 50 CFR 679.26. SeaShare remains the sole authorized distributor for these species, and the program continues under amendments to the BSAI and GOA Groundfish FMPs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Temporary Closure for Pacific Cod by HAL Catcher/Processors in Central Gulf of Alaska

NMFS has prohibited directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska effective May 18, 2026. The closure prevents exceeding the A season sector allocation of 850 metric tons. Incidental catch allowance is set at 10 mt, with maximum retainable amounts applicable for other groundfish fisheries. The closure reflects inseason management requirements to respond to real-time catch data.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Amendment 4 to Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan: Rainbow Runner Reclassification

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan for public comment. The amendment proposes reclassifying rainbow runner from reef fish to pelagic fish, resulting in revised management measures such as pelagic sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability measures. Sector-specific annual catch limits remain unchanged. If approved, rainbow runner will be subject to pelagic management regimes, including adaptive accountability rather than automatic season reductions for exceeding ACTs. Public comments are open until July 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

Bill 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, has been received in the Senate. The bill addresses agriculture, food, and national security issues relevant to federal food policy and supply chain operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Regulating Fishing in Marine National Monuments

Bill 8904 seeks to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to establish regulatory frameworks for fishing in marine national monuments. It was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for initial consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Demonstration Program

Bill 4603 proposes amendments to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, establishing a demonstration program for the golden mussel. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Aquatic Nuisance Species Management and Eradication

Bill 8876 amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act to expand provisions for preventing, managing, controlling, and eradicating aquatic nuisance species. It was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and to the Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Fishing boats worldwide stuck dockside as diesel prices surge on Iran war: Rising diesel prices due to the conflict impact global commercial fishing fleets, increasing dock time and operational uncertainty.

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