10/23/2026
Today, the Trump Administration announced the America First Seafood Strategy, a key directive under the President’s Executive Order Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. NOAA plays a key role in the Strategy, which details a coordinated federal plan to expand domestic seafood production, modernize infrastructure, improve market access for American harvesters and processors, and ensure fair competition in U.S. and international markets. The Strategy centers around five priorities:
American Seafood First: Labeling, Marketing, and Market Access
Rebuilding America’s Seafood Infrastructure & Processing Capacity
Fair Trade & Import Compliance and Enforcement
Regulatory Reform & Industry Partnership
Strengthening American Health Through Seafood
Together, these pillars aim to deliver measurable benefits for America’s economy and fishing communities. NOAA manages some of the world’s most productive and scientifically assessed fishery resources, and American commercial fishermen operate under rigorous conservation and management standards. The Strategy builds on that foundation by aligning federal policy, science, and existing authorities to increase sustainable harvest opportunities, reduce unnecessary regulatory costs, rebuild domestic processing and shoreside capacity, and give American seafood a stronger competitive position at home and abroad.
By coordinating the full statutory and economic capabilities of the Department of Commerce through NOAA, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and USDA—supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD)—the federal government will pursue a production-first agenda.
More information can be found at www.usda.gov/seafood
