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.

Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 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 EPW Subcommittee to Address Endangered Species Act Implementation: The Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water will hold a hearing March 18, 2026, in Dirksen 562 to examine challenges and opportunities with implementing the Endangered Species Act.

Federal Government News

Final 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for BSAI Groundfish Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) released the final 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications for groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), setting the sum of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) at 2.0 million metric tons for both years. The regulations include allocations among sectors and Community Development Quotas, with adjustments for guideline harvest levels set by the State of Alaska. The rule incorporates new stock assessment data, crab and herring PSC limits, and salmon bycatch provisions. The agency determined, following public comments, that no supplemental environmental review was required as the specifications follow the established harvest strategy and existing EIS/RODs. The rule is effective March 18, 2026, through March 18, 2027.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Accepts Input on Scup Gear Restricted Areas

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council announced a public workshop scheduled for March 31, 2026, seeking stakeholder input on commercial Scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs). The hybrid meeting will review management history, present results from mapping and modeling of discards, and collect commercial fishing industry feedback for adapting GRAs under changing climate conditions. The effort is co-facilitated by Cornell Cooperative Extension and includes simultaneous in-person and virtual participation options.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Seeks Comment on Information Collection for Marine Mammal Permit Applications

NOAA's Office of Protected Resources is requesting public comments on the renewal and revision of information collections related to permits and authorizations for taking, importing, and exporting marine mammals per the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Fur Seal Act, and Endangered Species Act. Proposed changes include removing permit duration limits, clarifying take reporting for uncrewed aircraft activities, and updating the APPS online application system. The public comment period runs through May 8, 2026, and the revisions will affect intramural and extramural applicants seeking special exception permits.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Receipt: ESA Scientific Research Permit for Abalone

The National Marine Fisheries Service received an application for scientific research on black and red abalone under the Endangered Species Act from Jeremy Long at San Diego State University. The proposed work, titled “Comparative Impacts of Invasive Devilweed and Kelp on the Performance and Preference of Black and Red Abalone,” aims to inform conservation strategies. Public comments are accepted until April 9, 2026, referencing permit number 28932.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Announces Electronic Monitoring Vendor Certification for Pelagic Longline Monitoring

NMFS is establishing two pelagic longline monitoring areas—Charleston Bump and East Florida Coast—where fishing will be allowed under strict electronic monitoring (EM) and enhanced reporting requirements. The agency is accepting applications from EM vendors to provide services in these areas; applicants must detail organizational capacity, training protocols, and compliance history. Certified vendors will assist with EM installation, data management, and quarterly reporting. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Spanish researchers develop low-cost artificial cornea from fish scales: Scientists in Spain engineered an artificial cornea using marine fish scales as a low-cost implant.
• Louisiana’s alligator farms raise the reptiles for meat, skins — and conservation: Louisiana's alligator farms breed and raise alligators for both commercial purposes and conservation initiatives.
• Haddock quota opens amid menhaden debate & Coast Guard loss: The latest menhaden debate continues as new haddock catch limits take effect in the Northeast.
• From groundfish recovery to ghost gear removal: National Fisherman covers recent progress on groundfish recovery and efforts to clean up lost fishing gear from U.S. waters.

.