Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: What It Means for U.S. Fisheries and California Fishermen

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Local Fish

On April 17, 2025, the White House announced a sweeping new executive order: “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.” The action aims to strengthen the U.S. fishing industry by rolling back federal regulations, promoting American-caught seafood, and addressing unfair foreign trade practices. It marks one of the most significant seafood-related policy changes in years.

Below is a breakdown of what the order includes, what it means for the U.S. seafood industry, and how California fishermen and stakeholders can get involved.

What Does the Executive Order Do?

Key Objectives of the Order:

  • Reduce Regulatory Burdens: Agencies like NOAA and the Department of Commerce are directed to identify and revise or eliminate costly and inefficient regulations on commercial fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing.
  • Promote American Seafood: Launch a national “America First Seafood Strategy” to boost U.S. seafood consumption, support local processing, and enhance seafood access through federal nutrition programs.
  • Modernize Fisheries Management: Expand electronic monitoring and adopt real-time data tools to improve fishery science and reduce compliance costs.
  • Strengthen Trade Protections: Develop a trade strategy to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and level the playing field with foreign seafood exporters.
  • Reopen Fishing Access: Review existing marine monuments and consider reopening protected areas for commercial fishing where appropriate.

“It is the policy of the United States to promote productive harvests, unburden U.S. fishermen from costly regulations, combat IUU fishing, and protect U.S. seafood markets from unfair foreign competition.” — Executive Order 2025

Industry-Wide Implications

1. Trade & Market Access

  • The order challenges imported seafood that undercuts U.S. fishers on price and quality.
  • It directs agencies to expand market access for U.S. seafood abroad while possibly restricting certain imports.
  • A crackdown on IUU fishing and unfair labor practices may lead to enforcement actions, including tariffs.

2. Domestic Fisheries & Aquaculture

  • U.S. seafood businesses could benefit from expanded fishing seasons, reduced compliance costs, and federal procurement boosts.
  • Aquaculture may receive additional federal support to grow domestic seafood supply.

3. Sustainability Concerns

  • Environmental groups warn that rolling back protections could put vulnerable fish populations at risk.
  • Critics fear weakening science-based limits and conservation zones may undo years of rebuilding key fish stocks.

“These executive orders don’t loosen red tape – they unravel the very safety net that protects our oceans, our economy, and our seafood dinners.” — Beth Lowell, Oceana

What It Means for California Fishermen

Opportunities:

  • Improved Dock Prices: Stricter import standards could help local fishermen earn more for high-quality local catch.
  • Expanded Access: New fishing grounds may open, and quotas could be revised if stocks are deemed healthy.
  • Federal Support: Increased funding for seafood marketing, processing infrastructure, and school lunch programs could benefit California fisheries like Dungeness crab, groundfish, and squid.

Challenges:

  • Salmon Fishery Still in Crisis: California’s salmon fishery remains closed due to habitat decline and poor spawning conditions — not regulation. Deregulation doesn’t solve this problem.
  • Climate & Habitat Funding at Risk: Simultaneous proposals to cut salmon restoration funds (e.g., Pacific Salmon Recovery Fund) threaten long-term fishery health.
  • Environmental Tensions: Reopening protected areas near California, or offshore wind developments, may ignite resource conflicts.

“Without investments in restoration and science, California’s fishing future remains uncertain — especially for salmon.”

How to Get Involved

1. Submit Public Comments
NOAA will likely open a formal comment period on proposed regulatory changes. Stay updated via www.fisheries.noaa.gov or www.regulations.gov.

2. Engage with the Pacific Fishery Management Council
This body helps manage federal waters off California. Attend meetings, speak during public comment periods, or submit written feedback. More at www.pcouncil.org.

3. Contact Your Elected Officials
Tell your representatives how this policy affects your business, your fishery, or your community.

4. Connect with Industry Groups
Join local groups like the California Coastside Fishermen’s Association or PCFFA to stay in the loop.

5. Speak Out Locally
Participate in Sea Grant workshops, attend local port meetings, or organize fishermen to submit shared comments.

Resources & Sources

Questions or feedback? Email us at team@getlocalfish.com.

Let’s ensure California’s fishing future is sustainable, profitable, and locally led.

Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: What It Means for U.S. Fisheries and California Fishermen