Summary
Aims to help the American fishing industry by cutting down on rules, fighting unfair foreign competition, and encouraging people to buy U.S. seafood.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. seafood industry is struggling because of too many government rules and unfair competition from other countries, causing most seafood to be imported. This order directs government agencies to remove unnecessary rules and create plans to promote and protect American seafood.
Who does this affect?
- Commercial Fishermen
- Seafood Processors and Distributors
- Coastal Communities
What does this order do?
Reduces regulations on fisheries
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to immediately identify and reduce burdensome rules on the most overregulated U.S. fisheries.
Reviews protected marine areas for fishing
Requires a review of all marine national monuments to see if any should be opened to commercial fishing.
Creates a new seafood trade strategy
Orders the development of a plan to improve access to foreign markets and address unfair trade practices from other countries.
Develops an 'America First' seafood strategy
Establishes a plan to promote the production, marketing, and sale of U.S. seafood and educate consumers on its health benefits.
Combats illegal and unfair foreign fishing
Directs officials to examine the trade practices of other nations, including illegal fishing and the use of forced labor, and take action against them.
Modernizes data collection
Requires the use of cheaper and more reliable technology to gather data for managing fisheries, making it more responsive to ocean conditions.
Improves import monitoring
Revises the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to better target high-risk shipments from nations that break international fishing rules.
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens the U.S. economy
Aims to reduce the $20 billion seafood trade deficit and support jobs in coastal areas by making it easier for American fishermen to compete with foreign imports.
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Reduces environmental protections
Could weaken rules designed to protect marine life and prevent overfishing by ordering a review of regulations and potentially opening protected marine areas to commercial fishing.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on April 17, 2025, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to complete specific actions.
Identify overregulated fisheries
Within 30 days of April 17, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce must identify the most overregulated fisheries and take action to reduce their regulatory burden.
Develop seafood trade strategy
Within 60 days of April 17, 2025, a comprehensive seafood trade strategy must be developed to address unfair trade practices.
Update fishery management recommendations
Within 180 days of April 17, 2025, Regional Fishery Management Councils must provide updated recommendations to reduce burdens on domestic fishing.
Review marine national monuments
Within 180 days of April 17, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce must provide recommendations on which marine monuments should be opened to commercial fishing.