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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Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Subsistence Management Regulations Proposed for Public Lands in Alaska—Fish and Shellfish 2027-29

The Departments of Agriculture and Interior released proposed subsistence management regulations for public lands in Alaska, covering fish and shellfish seasons, harvest limits, and methods for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 regulatory cycles. The Federal Subsistence Board will accept proposals for regulatory amendments, rural determinations, and customary/traditional use determinations, with public meetings scheduled from February to April and again in autumn 2026 across Alaska. Closures under review this cycle include select salmon fisheries in the Yukon-Northern and Aleutian Islands areas, king crab in Kodiak, and various specific sockeye and all-fish locations in Southeast Alaska. The rulemaking process incorporates tribal consultation, state input, and review of environmental, regulatory, and economic impacts under ANILCA, the National Environmental Policy Act, and related statutes. When finalized, new regulations will replace the prior subsistence fish and shellfish rules, affecting rural Alaska communities eligible for federal subsistence fisheries and associated management agencies.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Final Rule: Pacific Cod Small Boat Access in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

The National Marine Fisheries Service issued a final rule implementing Amendment 125 to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Fishery Management Plan, effective May 1, 2026. The change adds a small vessel provision, allowing catcher vessels less than or equal to 55 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear to accrue Pacific cod catch to the jig sector allocation during the A season (January 1–April 30). The adjustment aims to improve efficiency and provide additional fishing opportunities for smaller vessels, particularly those affected by early season closures and adverse weather. After April 30, catch from these vessels accrues to the under-60-foot hook-and-line and pot sector for the remainder of the year. The rule retains existing allocation percentages and sector hierarchy, including measures for incidental catch allowances, and clarifies enforcement and compliance requirements. NMFS received supportive comments from stakeholders, including state agencies, local governments, and tribal representatives.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA: Correction to 2026-2027 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Harvest Specifications

NOAA issued a correction regarding the proposed rule document for the 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications of groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The revised footnote clarifies that allocation of Atka mackerel for 2027 between Amendment 80 cooperatives and the limited access sector will be determined after eligible participants apply by November 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Adjusts 2026 Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch

NMFS announced an inseason adjustment to the 2026 Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod Total Allowable Catch, reducing it to 30,053 metric tons based on updated stock assessments and changes in State guideline harvest levels. TACs are apportioned as follows: Western GOA 6,693 mt, Central GOA 21,549 mt, and Eastern GOA 1,811 mt. The allocations comply with existing seasonal and regulatory protections for Steller sea lions. The revised TAC replaces those specified during a period affected by a government shutdown, and NMFS is accepting comment on the temporary rule through February 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Renewal for Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Data Collection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comment on the renewal of information collection authorized under the Paperwork Reduction Act for the Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Programs. The programs track tagged specimens and data for horseshoe crabs, striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, northern snakehead, and American shad. Annual respondents are estimated at 2,026, with participation supporting conservation and population management efforts among federal, state, university, and public entities. Public comment is open until April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• From Fishing Nets to Furniture: Turning Ocean Plastic Into Usable Products - The New York Times: Gravity Wave converts discarded fishing nets into furniture, contributing to marine conservation efforts.
• American seafood is national security — and Washington is failing fishermen: Industry advocates stress the importance of U.S. seafood for national security and critique federal support and regulatory challenges.
• Industry Pushes for Automatic Post-Inspection Meetings and Faster FDA Response Times: Seafood and fisheries companies seek improved FDA inspection timelines and structured post-inspection meetings.

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