August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

NOAA Moves to Modify West Coast Salmon Fisheries for 2026

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service announced two inseason management actions modifying the 2025-2026 commercial and recreational salmon fisheries from Cape Falcon, Oregon, to the U.S./Mexico border. Inseason Actions #23 and #24 modify salmon fishing seasons, instituting targeted closures and adjusting quotas in response to 2026 stock abundance forecasts. The status of Klamath River fall-run Chinook has improved from 'overfished' to 'not overfished-rebuilding', although the population remains low. Recreational fisheries closures between Oregon/California border and Point Arena, CA, will occur between April 4 and May 15, 2026, while other specific commercial and recreational shut-down periods apply by management area. These regulatory measures aim to align fishing effort with recent run forecasts and conservation objectives under the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Bering Sea Pollock Reallocation Approved

NOAA issued a final rule reallocating 6,300 metric tons of unused pollock quota from the Aleut Corporation’s directed fishing allowance in the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea subarea. The measure apportions reallocated catch among the inshore catcher vessel, catcher/processor, and mothership sectors for the remainder of the 2026 fishing year. The 2026 Bering Sea pollock incidental catch allowance remains at 46,000 mt. No change was made to the pollock CDQ or excessive harvesting/processing limits. The agency determined harvest capacity exists in the Bering Sea sectors to utilize the reallocated quota and that Aleut Corporation’s remaining allocation would not be harvested in the Aleutians for the year.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Vietnamese Fish Fillet Imports: Final Anti-Dumping Review Completed

The Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration released final results of its 2023-2024 antidumping administrative review for certain frozen fish fillets imported from Vietnam. Bien Dong Seafood Co., Ltd. will face a $1.00/kg dumping margin, while NTSF Seafoods Joint Stock Company receives a $0.38/kg margin. Two other firms (Cantho Import Export and Nam Viet Corporation) receive a $0.84/kg margin. Certain companies were rescinded from the review for lack of reviewable entries. Results trigger new duty assessment and future cash deposit rates on subject imports. The review period covered August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species: Proposed Fishing Gear Rule Changes

NOAA Fisheries proposes revisions to gear regulations for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS), including allowing power-assisted buoy gear, expanding buoy gear authorization under more permits, and permitting select tuna and shark retention. The draft rule also authorizes speargun use for BAYS tuna on certain permits and allows small nets for bait collection if unable to capture HMS. These proposed changes are intended to increase operational flexibility and adapt to evolving fishing techniques. Public comment is invited through October 13, 2026, and two webinars are scheduled for stakeholder input.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Modification of WA Aquaculture NPDES General Permit

EPA Region 10 proposes modifications to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit WAG130000, which covers Federal aquaculture facilities and those in Indian Country in Washington State. Changes would add facility-specific conditions for Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and revise chlorine monitoring requirements for all covered facilities. The public comment period runs through September 28, 2026. The draft permit and supporting documentation are available on EPA’s website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026 Introduced

Bill 10073, the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026, was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. The legislative text had not yet advanced to markup or hearing as of this reporting period.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The punk and the bruiser: Invasive species thrive as global warming transforms the Mediterranean: Reuters covers the spread of invasive marine species in the Mediterranean linked to changing temperatures.
• The race to save Maine’s seagrass meadows: AP reports on conservation initiatives to restore Maine’s critical eelgrass habitats under threat.
• The Freaky, Tentacled ‘Alien’ Bait Turning American Fishing Upside Down: WSJ explores the rise of alternative artificial lures disrupting traditional tackle choices in U.S. recreational fishing.
• Spain investigates likely shooting of endangered 'grandmother' orca: Reuters reports on an investigation into the suspected shooting of an endangered orca by authorities in Spain.
• The 5 Best Canned Tuna of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter: Wirecutter (NYT) provides an updated review of U.S. canned tuna products for the year.

.