June 14, 2026 to June 20, 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

Cook Inlet Salmon Fishery: 2026 Harvest Specifications Finalized

The National Marine Fisheries Service published final 2026 harvest specifications for the salmon fishery in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone. The rule sets overfishing limits (OFL), acceptable biological catch (ABC) and total allowable catch (TAC) for main salmon stocks. Combined sockeye TAC is 1,487,153, while coho TAC is 16,619 and chum TAC is 68,645. The process incorporated scientific review by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. Managed buffers for coho reflect recent escapement data. No changes were made from the proposed rule. Closures will occur promptly if TACs are met, with details announced by NMFS.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Halibut Fisheries Area 2A: 2026 Commercial Measures Confirmed

NMFS implemented annual management measures for the 2026 non-Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery south of Point Chehalis, Washington. Approved allocation is 261,211 pounds net weight. Two 58-hour fishing periods are scheduled, with further periods possible via inseason action. Vessel catch limits by length class range from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds dressed weight per period. The rule accepts recommendations from the International Pacific Halibut Commission and Pacific Fishery Management Council. No changes from proposed measures and no new reporting burdens added.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

President Trump issued Proclamation 11035, removing monument-based prohibitions on commercial fishing in multiple Pacific marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll. Commercial fishing will now be managed under existing Federal law, including Magnuson-Stevens Act fishery management plans. Only U.S.-flagged vessels may fish commercially, except in cases involving transport by foreign-flagged ships. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to revise regulations to reflect this change. Existing restrictions within 50 nautical miles of certain islands remain until further statutory action.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Gulf of America Reef Fish: Shallow-Water Grouper Measures Revised

NMFS issued a final rule reducing catch limits for the Gulf of America Other Shallow-Water Grouper complex (scamp, yellowmouth, black, yellowfin grouper). ABC and ACL are lowered by 54.7% based on SEDAR 68 stock assessment. Commercial ACL falls to 255,000 pounds and quota to 245,000 pounds, while recreational sector faces a fixed closed season from January 1-June 30 annually. Measures intend to constrain harvest while Amendment 58A, establishing new complexes and quotas, is developed. No changes were made following public comment.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

West Coast Groundfish: Emergency Increase for Thornyhead, Canary Rockfish, Petrale Sole

NMFS extended emergency measures to increase 2026 harvest specifications for shortspine thornyhead, canary rockfish, and petrale sole in Pacific Coast groundfish fisheries. New catch-only projections allowed adjustments to OFL, ABC, ACL, harvest guidelines, tribal set-asides, and sector allocations. The rule aims to offset economic losses from former restrictive catch limits and is effective July 20 through December 31, 2026. Further rulemaking is anticipated in the regular 2027–2028 cycle.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9312: Crawfish Processing Designated Agricultural Labor

H.R. 9312 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify crawfish processing as agricultural labor. The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. If enacted, crawfish processors could seek specific agricultural labor visas.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4779: Support for Nutrition, Seafood, and Indigenous Self-Determination

S. 4779, filed in the Senate, addresses support for nutrition, farmers, seafood industry, agricultural research, wood energy, innovation, and indigenous self-determination. The bill was read twice and moved to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4805: US Opposition to International Shrimp Production Projects

S. 4805 proposes that U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions oppose projects involving shrimp production. The measure was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• 15 countries in Kenya adopt the Mombasa Declaration to fight illegal fishing: East African nations sign regional agreement targeting illegal fishing operations.

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