September 06, 2026 to September 12, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Commerce Committee Business Meeting on Offshore Aquaculture and Bycatch Mitigation Bills – September 16: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will meet September 16 at 2:00 p.m. to consider S.2586 (offshore aquaculture assessment and workforce development), S.4938 (trawl gear bycatch mitigation and seafloor protection), S.4573 (Great Lakes Partnership), and related measures in Russell 253.
• House Natural Resources Committee Markup on Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act and Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act – September 15: House Natural Resources Committee will convene for markup on September 15 at 2:15 p.m. to review H.R. 5745 (Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act), H.R. 9621 (Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act), and additional bills in Longworth 1324.
• House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Legislative Hearing on Golden Mussel Eradication and SAFE for Manatees Act – September 16: The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries will hold a legislative hearing September 16 at 2:00 p.m. covering H.R. 3717 (Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act), H.R. 9590 (SAFE for Manatees Act), and other water and wildlife bills in Longworth 1324.
• House Agriculture Committee Hearing on Increasing Demand for Homegrown Products – September 16: The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled for a hearing September 16 at 1:30 p.m. titled 'Increasing Demand and Opportunities for Homegrown Products Here and Abroad' in Longworth 1300.

Federal Government News

Regulatory Updates to Greater Atlantic Region Catch Share Cost Recovery Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has finalized rule changes to streamline cost recovery for Atlantic Sea Scallop IFQ, Golden Tilefish IFQ, and Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog ITQ fisheries. Effective October 13, 2026, the rule waives fees under $25, standardizes billing timelines, and mandates payment within 30 days for all three programs. Permit renewal is contingent upon fee payment. NMFS will send bills within six months after the cost recovery period ends. These modifications target administrative efficiency by consolidating billing practices across fisheries. The rule follows previous notice and comment and aligns with Magnuson-Stevens Act cost recovery mandates.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposal to Withhold Portion of 2027 Red Grouper Commercial Quota

NMFS has proposed a rule to temporarily withhold 275,000 pounds of the 2027 red grouper commercial quota in anticipation of Amendment 63. The amendment, approved by the Gulf Council in June 2026, would establish a three-year pilot quota pool to improve GT-IFQ program access and reduce bycatch. If Amendment 63 is not implemented by May 1, 2027, the withheld quota will be distributed to current shareholders based on their GT-IFQ holdings. Public comments on this proposed rule are open until October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Quota Transfer from New Jersey to North Carolina for Atlantic Bluefish Fishery

A temporary rule from NMFS announces the transfer of 250,000 pounds of commercial bluefish quota from New Jersey to North Carolina, revising their respective allocations for 2026. This adjustment follows mutual agreement between the states and meets the Atlantic Bluefish FMP’s quota transfer provisions. The revised quotas are 408,379 pounds for New Jersey and 1,743,521 pounds for North Carolina, effective through December 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Incidental Take Permit Issued for Anadromous Fish in Pierce County, Washington

NMFS has issued a 30-year incidental take permit to Pierce County Planning and Public Works for actions impacting ESA-listed anadromous fish in Pierce County, Washington. The permit covers Chinook salmon, steelhead, coho salmon, and several lamprey species. Associated habitat conservation plans under the ESA and a Finding of No Significant Impact following environmental review were completed. Permit details and supporting documents are available via the NMFS West Coast Region.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Marine Mammal Protection Act Permit Request for NEFSC Research

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) has submitted a request to NMFS under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for authorization to incidentally take small numbers of marine mammals during fisheries and ecosystem research over five years. Activities involve a variety of fishing gear, with potential interactions documented in support of stock monitoring and ecosystem analysis. The public comment period for the application is open until October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Lawsuit adds to allegations that Cameron Parish LNG terminals are hurting seafood industry: Legal action claims dredging activities at Louisiana LNG sites negatively affect oyster beds and seafood harvesting.
• California officials allow plans for the country’s biggest kelp farm to move forward: State regulators approve development proposals for large-scale coastal kelp aquaculture in Pacific waters.
• With no time to spare, Michigan hatches a Great Lakes whitefish rescue plan: Michigan launches efforts to breed whitefish in captivity to counter population declines linked to invasive mussels.
• Iceland to consider whaling ban, potentially leaving Norway and Japan isolated: Iceland’s parliament discusses a national ban on whaling, with implications for global marine conservation.
• Racing to Contain Invasive Green Crabs in Puget Sound: Local authorities intensify public and private response to growing green crab populations threatening shellfish resources.
• States Sue Over Trump’s Cuts to Endangered Species Rules: Several states file suit contesting revisions to federal endangered species protections impacting key habitats.

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