May 31, 2026 to June 06, 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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food. Also consider subscribing to our Fisheries - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic: Amendment 55 Final Rule Establishes Scamp and Yellowmouth Grouper Complex

NMFS published the final rule implementing Amendment 55 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic. The rule creates a new complex for scamp and yellowmouth grouper, separating yellowmouth grouper from the previous shallow water grouper complex. Annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures were established for this complex, incorporating new sector allocation methodology based on recent landings and updated recreational data reporting. The action sets a 10-year stock rebuilding plan, new recreational bag limits, and commercial trip limits. The rule includes both in-season and post-season accountability measures for commercial and recreational sectors. These management changes correspond to recommendations derived from SEDAR 68 and updated scientific information. The rule becomes effective July 6, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Gulf Shrimp Fishery: Amendment 19 Proposal to Extend Commercial Permit Moratorium

NMFS announced the availability of Amendment 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of America, seeking comment by August 4, 2026. The proposal would extend the moratorium on issuance of new commercial shrimp permits for an additional 10 years, through October 26, 2036. The moratorium is intended to maintain effort limits and prevent overcapacity, preserving permit values for current holders. The amendment includes economic and environmental assessments and maintains permit transferability. Council will reevaluate minimum permit thresholds using updated science during the extended moratorium. NMFS expects all comments received by the deadline will be addressed in the final rule.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast: Columbia River Subarea Recreational Inseason Action

NMFS implemented an inseason action for the Pacific halibut recreational fishery in Area 2A’s Columbia River subarea, adding six fishing days in June: June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23, starting June 8, 2026. The additional days follow consultation with Washington and Oregon Fish and Wildlife agencies and aim to meet allocation targets. This action responds to projections showing approximately 18% of the annual allocation unharvested without additional days. If the allocation is exhausted before June 30, NMFS will close the subarea; otherwise, further days may be added in August or September as needed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Proclaims National Ocean Month: Ocean Resource Access and Maritime Industry Growth

The White House issued a Presidential Message marking National Ocean Month. The statement referenced reopening 5,000 square miles of Atlantic waters for commercial fishing, reducing industry regulations, supporting coastal economies, and expanding offshore oil, gas, and mineral development on the Outer Continental Shelf. The Administration described plans to modernize ports, revitalize shipbuilding through the Maritime Action Plan, and build new American-made merchant vessels. A naval shipbuilding initiative aims to grow the fleet for maritime dominance. Policy directions focus on boosting commercial fishing, trade, and maritime supply chain resilience.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Fisheries Off West Coast States: Environmental Closure of Drift Gillnet Fishery for Loggerhead Sea Turtle Conservation

NMFS announced a temporary closure of the large-mesh drift gillnet fishery for highly migratory species off southern California, east of 120° W, from June 1 to August 31, 2026. Based on NOAA data indicating an 82% probability of El Niño conditions and above-normal sea surface temperatures in March and April, the closure is designed to protect the endangered North Pacific loggerhead sea turtle population under the Endangered Species Act. The closure is mandated in the Fishery Management Plan regulations and will be lifted early if sea surface temperatures normalize, pending notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Magnuson-Stevens Act Amendment: Regulating Fishing in Marine National Monuments

Bill 8904 seeks to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to provide regulatory authority over fishing activities in marine national monuments. The bill passed subcommittee hearings and is under consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025

H.R. 2860 reauthorizes the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, with the bill having reached the Senate. It was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders, Calendar No. 427.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025

Bill 3831, addressing public lands and natural resources policy in Florida, was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Rural Grants Transparency Act

Bill 9101, titled Rural Grants Transparency Act, was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. The proposal focuses on improving transparency in rural grant disbursement.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act Reauthorization

Bill 7250 proposes reauthorizing the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000. The bill was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Modernizing the Maritime Industry for Speed, Scale, Resilience: Article reviews digital and operational innovations in shipping and port logistics.
• Why 'sustainable' fish sticks hurt Native Alaskans | Opinion: Commentary examines the cultural impacts of commercial sustainability initiatives on Alaska Native communities.

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