June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

Revised Atlantic Cod Stock Management in Northeast Multispecies Fishery

NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) finalized Amendment 25 (Revised), effective June 30, 2026, redefining management for Atlantic cod within the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Four cod stocks are now recognized: Georges Bank (GB), Eastern Gulf of Maine (EGOM), Western Gulf of Maine (WGOM), and Southern New England (SNE). Status determination criteria and new catch specifications are established for these units. For fishing year 2026, overfishing limits (OFL), acceptable biological catches (ABC), and annual catch limits (ACL) are set, with detailed allocations across commercial, recreational, and state waters. WGOM and SNE cod receive recreational sub-ACLs, including a no-retention rule for SNE cod. Updated sector allocations, common pool trip limits, and closure areas are defined. The change removes the ability to carry over unused quota from previous cod units for 2026 due to the structural shift. Regulatory impact review details expected economic effects, with $34.7 million projected gross revenues for groundfish sectors. The rule takes effect immediately to relieve default lower catch limits.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Annual Specifications and Management Measures Proposed for Pacific Sardine Fishery

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced proposed harvest specifications for the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Directed commercial fishing remains prohibited, as biomass is estimated at 30,158 mt—well below the 150,000 mt threshold required for directed harvest. Incidental, live bait, tribal, and minor directed harvests are permitted under strict trip and landing limits. The ACL is set at 2,200 mt, ACT at 2,100 mt, and OFL at 4,645 mt, consistent with the rebuilding plan adopted in 2025. Catch limits for other coastal pelagic species include a 20% incidental limit, and procedural triggers for fishery closure are maintained. Public comments are open until July 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Application for Exempted Fishing Permit for Pacific Sardine Research

NMFS received an application from the California Wetfish Producers Association (CWPA) for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) to allow up to 520 mt of Pacific sardine harvest in the 2026-2027 fishing year. The EFP seeks exemption from the expected prohibition on primary directed fishing for Pacific sardine as part of an ongoing industry-based scientific research program, supporting continuity for fishery-dependent biological data. If approved, up to 7 vessels would participate, with landing portions retained for direct sampling and remaining catch sold to offset research costs. The catch under this EFP would count against the annual catch limit. Public comment on the application is open until July 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order on Frozen Fish Fillets from Vietnam

The International Trade Administration published a notice continuing the antidumping duty order on certain frozen fish fillets (Pangasius species) from Vietnam, effective June 24, 2026. This follows the determination by Commerce and the International Trade Commission (ITC) that removing the order would likely lead to continued or recurring dumping and material injury to the U.S. industry. The scope of the order covers frozen fillets and excludes whole fish, steaks, and belly-flap nuggets. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect antidumping cash deposits at current rates, and the next five-year review is scheduled before the fifth anniversary of the most recent determination.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

SEDAR Workshops: Southeast Data Assessment and Review Public Meetings Scheduled

NOAA announced multiple upcoming Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) workshops. SEDAR 100 for Gulf gray triggerfish will occur August 11–14, 2026, in Tampa, FL, engaging participants in data and assessment review. SEDAR 101 hosts a public webinar July 16, 2026, focusing on finalizing stock assessment data for southeastern species. SEDAR 104 for Atlantic dolphinfish includes a Management Strategy Evaluation workshop July 28–31, 2026, in North Charleston, SC, which covers operating model development and procedure review. The processes incorporate input from scientists, council representatives, fishermen, and regulatory agencies. Meetings are accessible and accommodations can be requested ahead of time.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9507: To combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing at its sources globally.

The bill, introduced in the House, addresses global sources of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, with additional referrals to the Committees on Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Further action will depend on review by these committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 629: Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

Presented to the President, this Senate bill focuses on improvements to emergency conservation programs in agriculture and food policy. Its final enactment is pending presidential approval.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9497: Water Resources Development Act of 2026

The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 was referred to the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for further consideration. The act addresses water infrastructure and resource concerns relevant to fisheries, coastal, and aquatic systems.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Many California fishermen are nearing retirement. Can the industry save its graying fleet?: Industry faces workforce transitions as older fishermen retire, raising questions about fleet renewal.
• Trump administration aims to cut regulations on US commercial fishing: Regulatory changes are proposed by the Trump administration that may reduce compliance burdens on commercial fishing.
• Indigenous food producer hopes Farm Bill will restore programs: Efforts underway to secure restoration of food assistance programs for Indigenous producers in upcoming Farm Bill.
• Sustainable Business: Business sector reviews sustainable practices and evolving trends in supply chain management for seafood.

.