A U.S. House Natural Resources Committee hearing led by Democrats highlighted the negative impacts of Trump administration cuts to NOAA and seafood-related funding on commercial fishers. Lawmakers and experts criticized the administration’s alignment with Project 2025, a plan to weaken environmental agencies.
The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has spearheaded efforts to downsize government programs, with NOAA among the hardest hit. By February, over 700 NOAA employees were fired, and the agency faces office closures and budget reductions. Experts warn that these cuts undermine climate research, fisheries management, and workforce retention, leading to a loss of young scientists and a culture of fear. Representative Jared Huffman (D-California) and industry professionals stressed the need for stronger NOAA funding to support sustainable fisheries and scientific collaboration.