August 02, 2026 to August 08, 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

Northeast Multispecies Fishery: Framework Adjustment 72 Implements New Quotas and Measures

The National Marine Fisheries Service issued an interim final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 72 for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, effective August 4. Key actions include updating status determination criteria for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, setting new catch limits for groundfish stocks, and adopting revised processes for setting recreational measures for Atlantic cod and haddock. Shared United States/Canada quotas for cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder have been finalized for the 2026 fishing year, reflecting an 84% increase in eastern Georges Bank cod, but decreases of 36% and 68% for haddock and yellowtail flounder, respectively. Specifications are projected through 2030, with annual catch limits divided among commercial, sector, and common pool components. Due to 100% at-sea monitoring coverage in 2026, the management uncertainty buffer for sectors has been removed, increasing sector entitlements. Immediate implementation of the new quotas relieves current restrictions and aims for stable fishing conditions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Message Marks Coast Guard's 236th Birthday and Announces Fleet Investments

The President delivered a statement commemorating the 236th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard. The message recognized the service's role in maritime security, trafficking prevention, and port protection. Recent administration investment through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act totals $25 billion for fleet modernization, including cutters, helicopters, and icebreakers. Coast Guardsmen received a $2,000 Devotion to Duty payment; recruitment has reached its highest levels in a generation. The President committed continued support to ensure Coast Guard operational capabilities, honoring the organization's legacy and mission.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative Program: 2026 Cost Recovery Fee Set at 2.09%

NMFS announced the Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative Program’s 2026 cost recovery fee percentage at 2.09%, reduced from last year’s 3.00%. The lower rate is attributed to a 17% decrease in management costs and a 42% increase in total fishery value. Fees, capped at 3% of annual ex-vessel value per regulations, must be paid by August 31 to avoid CQ permit and transfer restrictions in 2027. This fee recovers NMFS costs for management, data collection, and enforcement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Cook Inlet EEZ Area: Salmon Fishery Closure Enacted to Prevent TAC Exceedance

NMFS prohibited commercial salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet exclusive economic zone area, effective August 5 through August 15. The closure is required after determination that the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) for the coho salmon stock complex may be reached. All salmon species are affected, as the fishery cannot target specific stocks and continued fishing risks exceeding the TAC.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Frozen Warmwater Shrimp From Ecuador: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Expedited Review Issued

The U.S. Department of Commerce completed its expedited review of countervailable subsidies for frozen warmwater shrimp imports from Ecuador for 2022. The final subsidy rates for producers ranged from 2.21% to 15.17%. Cash deposit instructions will be issued to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for affected companies at the stated rates, effective August 6. Changes were made to calculations for several firms based on comments received during the review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Congressional Disapproval Resolution: Rescinding Definition of 'Harm' Under Endangered Species Act

Bill 204 proposes disapproval of the rule submitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA regarding rescinding the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act. The resolution was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Navigable Waters Clarification: Amendments to Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Bill 5262 amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable waters. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Program: Proposed Amendments to 1931 Act

Bill 5234 proposes to establish a Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Program through amendments to the Act of March 2, 1931. Recently, it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

"Plastic Pollution Action Month" Supported in Joint House Resolution

Bill 1470 expresses congressional support for the designation of July 2026 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month." The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia Draws First-Time Exhibitors from Four Continents as Asia's Growing Seafood Demand Brings Global Industry to Singapore: The 2026 Singapore event attracts new international seafood exhibitors amid rising Asian demand.
• Appeals court says fishermen's claim in lobster defamation suit raises First Amendment questions: Maine lobster fishermen pursue a defamation suit involving whale conservation claims, raising First Amendment issues.

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