In a sweeping new directive to revive the domestic seafood industry, President Trump signed an executive order that promises to cut regulatory red tape, address unfair foreign competition, and restore American dominance in global seafood markets.
Titled “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness,” the executive order builds on the President’s earlier 2020 seafood initiative, calling for an aggressive overhaul of regulations that the administration says have hampered U.S. fishermen, aquaculture businesses, and seafood processors for decades. Long Island fishermen have long complained of federal regulations hampering their ability to make a living.
“The United States controls one of the largest and most abundant ocean resources in the world,” the order reads. “Yet nearly 90 percent of seafood on our shelves is imported, and the seafood trade deficit stands at over $20 billion.”
The administration blames this imbalance on “federal overregulation,” including outdated fisheries data, restrictive catch limits, and leasing of U.S. fishing grounds to foreign offshore wind developers. In parallel, it accuses foreign competitors of flooding American markets with unfairly priced and, in some cases, unsafe seafood products.
Under the new policy, the Secretary of Commerce is directed to immediately review and revise burdensome regulations that impact U.S. commercial fishing. Within 30 days, the department must identify the most overregulated fisheries and begin rolling back red tape in cooperation with regional fishery councils and other federal partners.
“Unnecessary regulations have crushed our fishermen over the past four years,” the President said. “This order will unleash America’s fishing industry again — cutting costs, boosting production, and putting American seafood back on top.”
Each Regional Fishery Management Council must submit updated recommendations within 180 days to reduce regulatory burdens. The goals are to prevent closures, stabilize markets, and increase profitability.
A major focus of the order is leveling the international playing field. The U.S. Trade Representative is tasked with examining seafood trade practices of major exporting nations, especially those accused of engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing or using forced labor in their supply chains. Potential responses could include sanctions, trade negotiations, or enforcement actions under the Trade Act of 1974.
In addition, the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative must develop a new comprehensive seafood trade strategy within 60 days. This strategy will build on the 2020 Seafood Trade Strategy and focus on reducing non-tariff barriers, improving foreign market access, and protecting domestic producers.
The order also calls for modernizing fisheries science and data collection by incorporating cost-effective technology and expanding cooperative research programs. The National Marine Fisheries Service is instructed to promote the use of exempted fishing permits and develop responsive management practices based on real-time ocean conditions.
To boost domestic demand, the Secretary of Agriculture will work with Commerce to implement an “America First Seafood Strategy.” This initiative includes a nationwide campaign to educate consumers on the health benefits of seafood and expand seafood purchases in federal nutrition programs.
The executive order comes amid growing concern among U.S. fishing communities about regulatory burdens and international competition. Industry leaders have long pushed for reforms to level the playing field and modernize the system.
“This is a turning point,” the President stated. “We’re cutting through the bureaucracy, standing up to unfair trade, and making sure that American seafood — the best in the world — gets the support it deserves.”