New Seafood Executive Order Puts American Seafood Competitiveness At Risk

Yesterday, President Trump issued an executive order that threatens the sustainability of American fisheries and fishing businesses by directing federal fishery managers to reduce regulations that keep catch sustainable.    

“Many American fishing communities and seafood businesses are in need of support, but this Executive Order puts those communities and businesses at risk by ordering the reduction of safeguards that keep fishing sustainable. Removing these protections undermines fishery sustainability and will harm the millions of Americans whose livelihoods rely on fisheries and the consumers who enjoy nutritious seafood. 

“Federal law mandates that the United States prevent overfishing and support maximum sustainable production from our fisheries. Science-based catch limits have brought many of our fisheries back from the brink of collapse, while ensuring profitability for commercial fishermen and access for recreational anglers. Insinuating that American fisheries would be better off by removing these safeguards is at odds with science and the experience of fishermen on the water.  

“The order also calls for actions that EDF and industry have long championed to improve the use of the best available science and responsiveness to changing ocean conditions. These include modernization of data systems, effective use of technology and cooperative research. However, these improvements cannot generate lasting, meaningful change without proper support and resources. To make U.S. seafood businesses more competitive, the Trump administration should reinstate the NOAA scientists and fishing experts who support America's commercial fishermen and propose budget increases to match the real challenges facing fishermen on the water.” 

• Sarah Poon, Associate Vice President, Resilient Fishery Solutions