September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Executive Order Targets Saltwater Angling and Recreational Fisheries Modernization

On September 17, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order to revise federal fisheries management as it relates to the recreational saltwater sector, emphasizing the industry’s $1.2 trillion annual impact and support for over 5 million jobs. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to review and revise Magnuson-Stevens Act guidelines, with a focus on accommodating the distinct nature of recreational fisheries. It mandates improved data collection, fast-tracking of artificial reef creation, and the modernization of electronic reporting and data integration from state programs. The action calls for establishment of interagency taskforces and steers federal agencies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions, prioritize electronic data infrastructure, and address deficiencies in NOAA’s Marine Recreational Information Program. Compliance with existing laws is required, and no new enforceable rights are established by the order.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Final Rule Sets 2026 U.S. Catch and Retention Limits for Striped Marlin in Pacific

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a final rule to implement a revised framework for annual catch and longline retention limits for striped marlin in the Western and Central North Pacific Ocean. For 2026, the U.S. catch limit is set at 393.4 metric tons and the longline retention limit at 381.6 metric tons (97% of the national limit), aligning with WCPFC Conservation and Management Measure 2024-06. The limit accounts for international underages and is specific to U.S. vessels operating north of the equator and west of 150° W longitude. If the retention limit is projected to be met, retention of striped marlin in this sector will be prohibited for the remainder of the year. The rule was effective October 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Announces Proposed Amendments to South Atlantic Shrimp and Coral Fisheries Management

NOAA announced the availability of Amendments 11 and 12 to the South Atlantic Coral and Shrimp Fishery Management Plans on September 18, 2026. If approved, these amendments would establish a Shrimp Fishery Access Area (SFAA) along the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern, allowing trawling for rock shrimp where it is currently not permitted. The proposed amendments incorporate recent habitat surveys and a bycatch practicability analysis, providing a buffer zone to minimize potential coral impacts. A public comment period runs through November 17, 2026, and full documentation is available via regulations.gov and NOAA’s Southeast Regional Office.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pacific Halibut Non-Tribal Commercial Season Expanded Through Inseason Action

NMFS issued a temporary rule on September 15, 2026, opening a sixth fishing period for the 2026 Pacific halibut non-Tribal directed commercial fishery in Area 2A from September 15 to September 17, with a catch limit of 5,000 pounds per vessel. The action was based on underutilization of the 2026 allocation, with approximately 86% of the total quota landed by early September. The provision allows equal vessel limits and supports the sector’s opportunity to reach its annual allocation. The effective date bypassed the 30-day delay due to its commercial benefit and alignment with prior public notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Maine Receives Exempted Fishing Permit for On-Demand Gear Trials to Minimize Whale Entanglements

NOAA's Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office published notice of a preliminary determination to issue an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The EFP would allow up to 65 federally permitted vessels to test acoustic on-demand, timed, and spring-release fishing gear aimed at reducing whale entanglement risk in Gulf of Maine trap/pot and gillnet fisheries in 2027. The trials include alternative gear library and geolocation components, require specific marking and reporting, and maintain at least one traditional surface buoy per trawl. Comment deadline is September 29, 2026; full details are posted in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘Flat is Back’ campaign hopes to put flounder back on people’s plates: Massachusetts launches an initiative promoting culinary use of flounder to boost demand for local fishers.
• New Trump orders loosen regulations on hunting, recreational fishing: The Trump administration issues executive orders removing restrictions on recreational fishing and hunting on federal lands.

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