The United States is initiating measures to address what it views as federal overregulation and unfair trade practices adversely affecting the domestic seafood industry. According to a directive given by President Donald J. Trump, the nation seeks to enhance its competitiveness in the global seafood market by reducing regulatory constraints and combating unfair international trade practices that have contributed to a significant seafood trade deficit.
"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered," President Trump stated as he outlined the new initiative. He emphasized the abundance of American seafood resources, citing overregulation and unfair trade practices as obstacles to the industry.
One of the core goals of this policy is to address what are perceived as restrictive regulations like "restrictive catch limits, selling our fishing grounds to foreign offshore wind companies," and other regulatory barriers. The overhauls intend to lower a $20 billion seafood trade deficit and address the significant reliance on imported seafood, which accounts for nearly 90% of supply.
The directive entails various actions for the Secretary of Commerce, including forming a public-private cooperative to revise or rescind what is regarded as overbearing regulations on commercial fishing and fish processing industries, in consultation with industry stakeholders. President Trump urges the Secretary to identify the most overregulated fisheries within the next 30 days and lessen their regulatory burdens in collaboration with relevant councils and partners.
Furthermore, the policy proposes actions to improve fisheries management through public input and advancements in technology. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to incorporate more affordable and dependable technologies and research in fishery assessments to improve responses to real-time conditions. The Secretary will also work on an "America First Seafood Strategy" to boost domestic production and marketing.
Additionally, the directive emphasizes developing a trade strategy addressing unfair practices like illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Secretary of Commerce, alongside the Secretary of Agriculture, is tasked with broadening domestic educational efforts regarding the health benefits of seafood and encouraging purchases through nutrition programs.
As a concluding provision, Trump clarifies that the directive is not meant to alter the authorities of any executive department or agency and will be implemented consistent with existing laws and budgetary limits.
"Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect […] the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals," stresses Trump, assuring that the directive aligns with existing legal frameworks.
The White House issued this executive order on April 17, 2025.
