August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

Illex Squid Fishery Closure in the Northeastern US

On August 21, NMFS announced the closure of the directed Illex squid fishery in federal waters, due to a projection that 96 percent of the 2026 domestic annual harvest will be landed by August 23. The closure restricts vessels to a maximum of 10,000 pounds of Illex squid per trip and only one such landing per calendar day until the end of the year. Permitted dealers are also subject to purchasing limits. The action, effective August 23 through December 31, 2026, is required to prevent exceeding the 38,631-metric ton commercial Illex quota and is implemented under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Adjustments to Pacific Coast Groundfish Trip Limits

NMFS issued inseason adjustments to the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery for 2025–2026, increasing sablefish trip limits for limited entry and open access sectors north and south of 36°N latitude. Concurrently, trip limits for vermilion and sunset rockfish are reduced south of 34°27’N latitude due to increased landings. The new trip limits reflect updated landings data and modeling by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, aiming to align harvest with annual allocations and prevent overages, effective August 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Adjustments to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Quotas

NMFS published a final rule adjusting quotas for North and South Atlantic swordfish, northern albacore, and bluefin tuna, following 2025 underharvests and ICCAT quota allocations. The U.S. bluefin quota is set at 1,509.98 mt, with a 62.5 mt pelagic longline bycatch set-aside. Swordfish and albacore quotas are also increased based on allowable carryovers. Category allocations, regulatory formulas, and domestic subquotas are detailed in the rule. Additional transfer of bluefin quota from the Longline category to Reserve is included and all changes are effective August 19, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Initiation of Environmental Review for Modifications to whale Take Reduction Plan

NMFS published a notice of intent to prepare an environmental analysis of potential changes to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, which governs gear and operations for East Coast commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries. The analysis will inform alternatives to further reduce mortality and serious injury of North Atlantic right whales and other large whales, considering measures such as vertical line reductions, gear configuration changes, and dynamic area management. The public comment period runs until October 16, 2026; a public scoping meeting is planned.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President’s Cabinet Promotes Administration Economic and Regulatory Initiatives

The White House reports that members of President Trump’s Cabinet conducted nationwide visits in August, promoting achievements under the America First agenda, including energy sector initiatives, infrastructure projects, and expanded agricultural exports. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced expanded hunting and fishing access, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed agricultural export growth and manufacturing. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reiterated the administration’s SNAP policy positions. These visits reinforce the administration’s stated priorities in economic growth and resource management.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

Bill 6893, focusing on environmental protection in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, has been placed on the Union Calendar, No. 664. The measure addresses training, education, restoration, and science programs supporting ecosystem health.

Sources: www.congress.gov

AWRC Act of 2025

Bill 7889, known as the AWRC Act of 2025, addresses water resources development and has been placed on the Union Calendar, No. 665. Further action will be tracked as the bill proceeds.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• NEWSLETTER: El Niño and its effects on food supply chains: Reuters examines how El Niño is impacting global food supply chains and market volatility.
• Fish, ships and sovereignty: Iceland weighs its European future: Reuters covers Iceland’s ongoing debate over fisheries and resource sovereignty in the context of Europe relations.

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