Following the recent Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, NOAA Fisheries has launched a major, coordinated effort aimed at revitalizing the U.S. seafood sector. The overarching goals are critical to all of us: reversing the recent declines in fisheries landings and revenue, expanding sustainable aquaculture, cutting down the seafood trade deficit, and making our supply chains much more resilient.
Your Voices Were Heard
Back in August 2025, NOAA requested feedback from stakeholders and regional fishery management councils to find ways to improve fisheries management, stabilize markets, improve access, and protect against closures.
The response from the industry was huge. NOAA received comments from 787 individuals and organizations, and each regional council – including our own Pacific Fishery Management Council – submitted a detailed action plan.
What’s Next: Regional Priority Actions
After reviewing all the input from the public, the councils, and the commercial fishing industry, NOAA has officially finalized a list of priority actions for each region. Many of these actions are designed to reinforce the priorities our regional councils have already been fighting for. NOAA views these steps as vital to fulfilling the broader vision of making the United States a dominant global leader in seafood production.
You can view the full, detailed list of regional priority actions directly on NOAA’s website.
We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our CFSI members who took the time to submit comments. True partnership between industry advisors, expert staff, and council members is the only way we move the needle on these vital reforms.
We will keep a close eye on how these priority actions roll out on the West Coast and will keep you updated on any major developments.