On April 17, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the American seafood industry.

This Order seeks to strengthen the U.S. fishing sector by reducing regulatory burdens, addressing unfair foreign trade practices, and boosting domestic seafood production and exports. Key initiatives include revising or suspending onerous regulations, integrating advanced technologies into fishery assessments, and expanding fishing permit programs to create more fishing opportunities across the country.

The Executive Order responds to significant challenges facing the U.S. fishing industry, which has experienced a decline in its global leadership due to excessive regulation and unfair trade practices. Currently, the U.S. imports nearly 90% of its seafood, resulting in a trade deficit exceeding $20 billion, despite having extensive fishing grounds. The Order also aims to enhance the monitoring of seafood imports to identify illegal and unregulated fishing practices, ensuring that American seafood products can compete fairly in the global market.

Additionally, this initiative builds on previous efforts to support American fishermen, focusing on revitalizing the fishing industry through policy reforms. President Trump has previously taken steps to promote seafood competitiveness and safeguard domestic fishing interests, including halting offshore wind projects and implementing tariffs. The new Executive Order underscores a commitment to ensure the long-term growth and competitiveness of the U.S. seafood industry.

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