Nathan Strout

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced nearly USD 489 million (EUR 427 million) in grant funding for improving the nation’s ports and shipyards through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). “The Trump Administration is getting back to basics and investing hard-earned American dollars in restoring the nation’s maritime dominance,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a release. “We’re… Read More

Two U.S. senators have introduced legislation designed to ensure commercial fishers and processors can access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, grants, and financial services. “Whether your crops have seeds or scales, America’s food producers are essential to our economy and food supply, so we should seek economic parity for the men and women who work in the seafood industry,” U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) said in a… Read More

The European Parliament has voted in favor of a trade framework agreed to by E.U. and U.S. negotiators in summer 2025, eliminating most tariffs on U.S. goods and giving preferential treatment to a “wide range” of U.S. seafood products. In his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has set out to restructure the United States’ trade relationships with other countries, raising tariffs on foreign goods and using the nation’s market power… Read More

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fined a charter vessel captain CAD 5,000 (USD 3,603, EUR 3,128) for possessing illegally caught fish, including more than a dozen undersized Dungeness crab. On 30 May, DFO officers conducted an inspection of a charter vessel operated by Jichuan Shi as it returned to Steveston Harbour in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The officers discovered more than two dozen fish and shellfish aboard, including 19… Read More

Canada’s government has announced several measures to help protect highly endangered North Atlantic right whales in upcoming commercial fishing seasons, keeping some protections in place and adding a few new actions to help reduce entanglements and vessel strikes. “The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered animals on the planet, and we have a responsibility to act. Canada’s protocols are in place, and our whale-safe… Read More

The government of Spain has announced EUR 2.7 million (USD 3.1 million) in financial support to fishing vessel owners impacted by a series of winter storms. Both Spain and Portugal were hit by several severe storms in January and February, leading to mass evacuations and damage to infrastructure, including to the fisheries sector. In February, the Spanish government announced roughly EUR 7 billion (USD 8.1 billion) in financial aid to people… Read More

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) took final action to reopen commercial fishing in multiple marine monuments, including the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. “This is not about removing monument protections; it’s about restoring sustainable fishing in limited… Read More

Following two years-long investigations, NOAA Fisheries has levied a total of USD 222,902 (EUR 193,328) in civil penalties against two seafood importers accused of mislabeling tuna cans as “dolphin safe.” In conducting retail market spot check audits, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce’s Tuna Tracking and Verification Program identified two suspect seafood import firms that were importing yellowfin tuna… Read More

U.S. shrimpers are facing higher fuel prices due to the Iran war, leading to higher operating costs for an industry that is already struggling. “For a recent 30-day trip, I spent USD 47,000 (EUR 40,740) on diesel before I even left the dock. That is USD 20,000 (EUR 17,337) more for a single trip than the previous year,” Coden, Alabama, U.S.A.-based Zirlott Trawlers owner Jeremy Zirlott said in a release. “U.S. shrimpers operate on… Read More

The Mexican government will provide slightly more financial support to small-scale commercial fishers through its Bienpesca program in 2026, increasing annual payments to MXN 8,000 (USD 451, EUR 390). In a 24 March release, Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (Conapesca) announced that it had budgeted MXN 1.5 billion (USD 88 million, EUR 76 million) for Bienpesca, which provides direct payments to commercial fishers and… Read More