July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

NMFS Proposes Unchanged Annual Catch Limits for Hawaii Deepwater Shrimp and Precious Coral Fisheries, 2026–2028

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a proposed rule to maintain the same annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for the Hawaii deepwater shrimp and precious coral fisheries for 2026–2028. The ACL for deepwater shrimp is set at 250,773 lb (113,749 kg) per year, with similar continuity for various precious coral complexes. Post-season AMs remain in place; if average catches exceed the ACL in a three-year period, the next year’s limit is reduced by the overage. The fishery’s recent landings have been well below the ACL, with three active deepwater shrimp permits and one precious coral permit. NMFS is accepting comments through August 24, 2026, and does not anticipate significant impacts on small entities under this proposal.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

West Coast Groundfish: Final Rule Implements Gear Flexibility and Cost Recovery Program for Limited Entry Fixed Gear Sector

NMFS issued a final rule implementing Amendment 36 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, effective August 6, 2026, with compliance for new cost recovery no earlier than December 1, 2027. The rule provides non-trawl limited entry permit holders the ability to use any legal non-trawl gear (excluding entangling nets) on their permits, removes base permit designation, eliminates start and end time requirements for the sablefish primary season, and establishes a cost recovery program in accordance with Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements. The expected increase in administrative burden and compliance is minimal. The rule responds favorably to participant requests for expedited implementation and incorporates minor clarifications from the proposed rule.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Gulf of America Spanish Mackerel: Proposed ACL Reduction and Accountability Measure Change under Framework Amendment 14

NMFS has proposed reducing the Gulf migratory group Spanish mackerel annual catch limit (ACL) from 11.3 million lb (5.13 million kg) to 9.63 million lb (4.37 million kg), reflecting results of the latest stock assessment (SEDAR 81). The rule would replace the current in-season closure accountability measure with a post-season AM: future overages would trigger a closure once the ACL is reached or projected to be reached in the next fishing year. Commercial and recreational sectors have not approached current ACLs in recent years. Public comments are open until August 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Directed Fishing Closures in Alaska: Pacific Cod and Pacific Ocean Perch

NMFS announced separate closures in Alaskan federal waters. The agency has closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by American Fisheries Act trawl catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands as of July 20, 2026, after the sector’s directed fishing allowance of 2,112 mt was reached. Additionally, a closure of directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska took effect July 22, 2026, when the TAC of 1,993 mt was reached. Both actions are necessary to prevent sector-specific catch overages and were implemented under expedited procedures without prior notice and comment.

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

Pacific Halibut Area 2A Non-Tribal Commercial Allocation: Additional Fishing Period Announced for 2026

NMFS authorized a third commercial fishing period for Pacific halibut in the West Coast Area 2A, running July 21–23, 2026, with a vessel catch limit of 5,000 lb (2.27 mt), dressed weight. As of July 15, 2026, 45% of the sector’s 2026 allocation had been harvested, prompting this additional opening to provide the fleet an opportunity to reach its annual quota.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Harpoon Category Closure for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

NMFS closed the Harpoon category fishery for large medium and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna effective July 17, 2026, after the adjusted quota of 65.6 mt was exceeded, with reported landings at approximately 72.8 mt. The fishery will not reopen in 2026, and the next season will begin June 1, 2027. The agency will continue monitoring and may adjust other category quotas as needed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026 (H.R. 9621)

The House Subcommittee held hearings on the Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026. The bill addresses predation impacts on endangered salmon populations and seeks legislative measures under the umbrella of environmental protection.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026 (H.R. 8876)

Subcommittee hearings were held for the Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026. The legislation targets management and control of aquatic invasive species affecting public lands and natural resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026 (H.R. 4595)

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks held hearings on the Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act. The bill authorizes a study of the Mullica River for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025 (H.R. 4219)

The House ordered the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act to be reported, as amended, by unanimous consent. The bill would create dedicated teams to address invasive species management on federal wildlife refuges.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Provide That the Final ESA 'Harm' Definition Rescind Rule Shall Have No Force or Effect (H.R. 9901)

Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, this bill would nullify the final rule by the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA that rescinded the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Charred Shrimp With Shimi Sauce to Share: A recipe feature on shrimp preparation and serving techniques.
• Charter captain Jonathan Moss explains how to get kids hooked on fishing from an early age: Charter captain Jonathan Moss discusses approaches to introduce children to recreational fishing.

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