According to Reuters, President Donald Trump's regulatory freeze has created significant disruptions in the U.S. fishing industry, potentially delaying the start of the fishing season for East Coast cod and haddock fleets. The freeze, declared on January 20, has led to confusion regarding new regulations and delayed crucial meetings, impacting Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries off North Carolina.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages coastal fisheries, is responsible for creating management plans for 45 fisheries, setting quotas, and regulating fishing seasons. The freeze has also resulted in the termination of 163 probationary NOAA employees, about 5% of its fisheries workforce, complicating the regulatory process.
Delays in issuing regulations could lead to reduced quotas for New York and New England fishermen as bluefin migrate north this summer. Industry representatives, including Ben Martens of the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, report increased inquiries from fishermen seeking clarity on the situation.
Additionally, the mid-Atlantic region experienced overfishing of bluefish tuna due to NOAA's failure to implement timely regulations. Lawmakers, such as Bill Keating from Massachusetts, have expressed concern over communication failures with NOAA following staff reductions. The regulatory freeze's effects highlight the vulnerabilities within the fishing sector, impacting both livelihoods and fishery management.