June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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

President Trump Revokes Commercial Fishing Restrictions in Pacific National Monuments

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation permitting commercial fishing in roughly 500,000 square miles of the Pacific, affecting the Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments. The action aims to increase U.S. seafood production and reduce reliance on imports, asserting that the Magnuson-Stevens Act provides adequate resource protection. NOAA is directed to amend or repeal any regulations inconsistent with the proclamation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

RESTORING AMERICAN COMMERCIAL FISHING IN THE PACIFIC: Presidential Action

On June 11, President Trump issued a proclamation amending prior restrictions on fishing in monument areas in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll. U.S.-flagged vessels regain access for commercial fishing, while monument-based prohibitions are removed unless required by statute. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with regulatory updates and interim enforcement policies.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

President Signs Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act

S. 254, known as the ARTIST Act, was signed into law on June 12, amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The law prevents states from prohibiting the interstate commerce, importation, and sale of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen when used by Alaska Natives in authentic handicrafts and clothing.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FDA Proposes Expanded Recordkeeping for Seafood Processing and Importing

The Food and Drug Administration submitted an information collection to OMB regarding HACCP recordkeeping under 21 CFR Part 123. Seafood processors and importers must document processing times, temperatures, acidity, and supply chain compliance. The estimated annual industry recordkeeping burden is 1,930,264 hours. This ensures manufacturers' and importers' compliance with food safety regulations, supported by trained employees and FDA inspections. Comments are due by July 13.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Opens Comment Period for American Lobster Trap Transfer Program Records

NOAA issued a notice seeking comment on the information collection for the American Lobster-Annual Trap Transfer Program, which allows Federal lobster permit holders to buy or sell trap allocation between Areas 2, 3, and Outer Cape Cod. Recordkeeping is required for transfers, with no changes to the collection. The comment period is open through August 10, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act Amendment

Bill 4720 would allow the Secretary of Commerce to identify nations with open registries as those endorsing or engaging in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program Bill

Bill 9185 directs NOAA to recognize voluntary vessel speed reductions in the western U.S. as a strategy for reducing air pollution and whale strike risks. It was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

eDNA Monitoring Techniques Grant Program Bill

Bill 9299 would establish a grant program for entities to incorporate eDNA monitoring in sport fish surveys. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

World Oceans Day House Resolution

Bill 1343 recognizes World Oceans Day and celebrates U.S. maritime heritage, fisheries stewardship, and coastal communities. It was referred to two House committees for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

World Oceans Day Senate Resolution

Bill 759 recognizes World Oceans Day and U.S. maritime heritage, stewardship, and coastal communities. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump restores commercial fishing in protected areas of Pacific Ocean: President Trump opens Pacific monument waters to commercial fishing, shifting U.S. seafood supply policy.
• Opinion | 3,000 Species Are Killed for Supper. Why Do We Allow It?: New York Times explores global seafood biodiversity loss from fishing, questioning bottom trawling's ecological costs.
• The race to bolster the ocean’s potential to combat climate change: Reuters examines strategies to increase the ocean's role in mitigating climate change through science and innovation.

.