Trump Administration Unveils Seafood Strategy to Boost U.S. Fishing Fleet and Domestic Production

The Trump administration on Friday unveiled its America First Seafood Strategy, outlining plans to strengthen the U.S. commercial fishing industry through regulatory reform, investment in fishing vessels and shoreside infrastructure, and tougher enforcement against unfair foreign competition.

The strategy, announced October 23, builds on President Donald Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, and brings together several federal agencies to expand domestic seafood production, modernize processing capacity, and improve market access for American fishermen.

A major focus is rebuilding the infrastructure that supports the nation’s commercial fishing fleet, including shipyards, docks, cold storage facilities, processing plants, and working waterfronts.

Federal agencies will work to streamline permitting and reduce barriers to private investment, while making greater use of existing financing programs administered by NOAA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Small Business Administration.

NOAA will also review its Fisheries Finance Program and Capital Construction Fund to identify obstacles that discourage fishermen from replacing aging vessels or investing in safer, more efficient American-built fishing boats.

“The America First Seafood Strategy ensures that the future of seafood in the United States will be built by American fishermen, American workers, and American industry—not by foreign imports,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The initiative comes as the administration pursues a broader effort to rebuild America’s maritime industrial base, including domestic shipbuilding capacity and the U.S.-flagged fleet.

Beyond infrastructure, the strategy calls for changes to federal fisheries management aimed at increasing sustainable harvests and reducing regulatory costs.

NOAA will work with regional fishery management councils and industry representatives to ensure catch limits reflect the best available science, restore access to productive fishing grounds where supported by data, and eliminate compliance requirements that do not contribute to conservation goals.

The administration also plans to strengthen the position of American seafood in domestic markets.

A proposed voluntary “U.S.-Caught Seafood” designation would help consumers identify products harvested by American fishermen aboard U.S.-flagged vessels operating under U.S. fisheries management. The Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance Friday outlining how companies could use U.S.-origin statements and labeling.

Federal agencies will also seek to expand purchases of American seafood through government procurement programs and launch a nationwide “Eat American Seafood” campaign.

On the trade front, the strategy calls for stronger enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, seafood fraud, and mislabeling. NOAA plans to improve its Seafood Import Monitoring Program, using advanced technology and more targeted inspections to identify high-risk imports.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will also work with other agencies to address unfair foreign trade practices and improve access to overseas markets for American seafood exporters.

Marine aquaculture is another priority, with federal agencies expected to establish clearer permitting standards for operations in federal waters.

Notably, the strategy does not announce new federal spending. Instead, it relies on existing programs and statutory authorities, with an emphasis on regulatory changes, interagency coordination, and attracting private investment.

NOAA said progress will be measured through increases in domestic seafood production and processing, private capital investment, American jobs supported, and reduced dependence on foreign supply chains.

The broader goal is to keep more of the economic value of American seafood in the United States, from vessels harvesting fish offshore to the shipyards, processors, and waterfront businesses that support the industry.