National Fisherman
March 24th, 2025
By NF Staff
A 60-day regulatory freeze enacted by President Donald Trump has disrupted key fisheries management processes, creating uncertainty for commercial fishermen and increasing the risk of delayed seasons and overfishing.
As reported by Reuters, the freeze, declared on January 20, put a hold on new federal regulations across multiple industries, including fisheries overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for setting catch limits, monitoring stock health, and determining the opening and closing of fishing seasons. However, according to Reuters, the freeze has delayed key meetings and regulatory decisions, leaving many in the industry without guidance on quota limits and the start of the season.
Delayed openings and overfishing concerns
The freeze has already led to overfishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna off North Carolina, as NOAA was unable to issue a closure order after the catch limit was reached in mid-January. As a result, the quota was exceeded by 25 percent, potentially reducing the allocation for New York and New England fishermen when the fish migrate north this summer.
“It’s hard for me to believe we’re not going to get punished up here in New York and New England for that,” said bluefin fisherman John McMurray, in an interview with Reuters.
The uncertainty also extends to other fisheries. According to the New England Fishery Management Council, some groundfish fisheries, including cod, haddock, and flounder- are at risk of opening late, potentially missing their traditional May 1 start date unless emergency action is taken.
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