July 12, 2026 to July 18, 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

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Legislative Hearing—House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries: A hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2026, at Longworth House Office Building (room 1324), covering H.R. 7332, H.R. 7466, H.R. 8876, and H.R. 9621, including topics on whale conservation, SAFE CATTLE Act, aquatic invasive species control, and salmon predation prevention.

Federal Government News

Proposed Rule: Snapper-Grouper Fishery South Atlantic—Updated Blueline Tilefish ACLs

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking public comments on a proposed rule to update catch levels for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic. The rule would raise commercial annual catch limits to 157,249 lb and recreational catch limits to 156,809 lb based on the most recent SEDAR stock assessment. Allocation percentages between commercial and recreational sectors remain unchanged at 50.07% commercial and 49.93% recreational. The rule aligns with new scientific findings from both the South Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and may extend commercial fishing seasons and increase gross annual revenue by an estimated $142,732. Stakeholders may submit written comments by August 12, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Alaska Groundfish and Crab Fisheries—Economic Data Reporting Removal Proposed

Amendments 129 and 58 to the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and King & Tanner Crabs Fishery Management Plans submitted for Secretary of Commerce review would eliminate Economic Data Report requirements for participants in the Amendment 80 and Crab Rationalization Programs. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended these amendments based on limited utility of collected EDR data and high reporting burden to industry and federal agencies. Only three of eight limited access programs in the region currently require EDRs, and the Council determined these reports do not contribute to fisheries management decisions. Public comments are due by September 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Issues RFI on Ropeless Fishing Gear for Greater Atlantic Region

National Marine Fisheries Service issued a Request for Information on the operational feasibility and management of ropeless fishing gear—including on-demand and timed-retrieval systems—in the Greater Atlantic Region. Stakeholders are invited to provide input on gear standards, safety, reliability, marking protocols, visualization technology, gear conflict mitigation, data governance, and potential training requirements for operators. The RFI is part of NMFS’s obligation under the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 to promote innovation and adoption of gear technologies minimizing large whale entanglement risks. Responses are due October 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna—Harpoon Category Quota Transfer

On July 14, NMFS transferred 6.4 metric tons of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve category to the Harpoon category, resulting in an adjusted Harpoon quota of 65.6 mt. The transfer is aimed at providing further harvest opportunities for Harpoon category fishermen through November 15 or until the quota is reached. Dealers and vessel owners must report landings within 24 hours to facilitate quota management and possible inseason adjustments. The action is consistent with ICCAT allocations and federal regulations for BFT management.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Endangered and Threatened Salmon—Snake River Sockeye Hatchery Program Consultation

NMFS has received two applications for renewal under the Endangered Species Act for operation of the Snake River Sockeye Salmon Hatchery Program. The Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan covers collaboration between Idaho Fish and Game, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and Bonneville Power Administration. Activities include maintaining captive broodstock and releasing eggs, juveniles, and adults in upper Salmon River basin lakes and Oregon’s Tanner Creek. Public comments on the proposed program are accepted through August 17, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026

Bill 9621 aims to address predation risks for endangered salmon populations in the Northwest, with focus on environmental protection measures. The bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Whale CHARTS Act of 2026

Bill 7332 addresses whale conservation, supporting chart-based management actions. It is currently before the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026

Bill 8876 targets aquatic invasive species prevention and control, with relevance to natural resource protection. Latest action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to regulate market concentration and competition in the food and agriculture industry

Bill 4996 seeks to regulate market concentration in food and agriculture sectors. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lewis & Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act

Bill 3725 concerns expansion of water resources infrastructure; the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has ordered it reported favorably with amendment.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Orland Project Water Management Act

Bill 4970 relates to water management, with Mr. Gallagher now considered first sponsor for purposes of cosponsorship and bill revisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Bill 9497 addresses water resources development programs nationwide, ordered to be reported (amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 66 - 0.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The Atlantic's newest marine invader has arrived: Rapid spread of invasive Manila clams in Massachusetts raises concerns for East Coast shellfish industries.
• A ‘forbidden experiment,’ two moonshots and the invasive species ravaging the Great Lakes: Great Lakes face ecological strain from sea lamprey and invasive mussels, prompting new control efforts.
• A Brazilian bay’s surprise shark nursery sparks conservation project: Discovery of a new shark nursery in Brazil leads to a locally driven conservation initiative.
• An American blue crab took over Italian lagoons. Now fishers are looking for new careers: Blue crab invasion in Italian lagoons disrupts traditional fisheries, shifting local livelihood strategies.

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