OPINION: American seafood is national security — and Washington is failing fishermen
By Dustin Delano I have spent my life working on the water as a commercial fisherman. Today, I serve as the chairman and chief strategist of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, (NEFSA) representing fishermen who fish the waters of the North Atlantic and the New York Bight, along with their families, business and industry associations and […]
NEFSA Applauds the Trump Administration for restoring hope in America’s Fishing Families
The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association applauds the President for once again taking decisive action to restore access for American commercial fishermen in the Atlantic. This marks the second time this administration has moved to correct misguided ocean monument designations that locked fishermen out of historic fishing grounds without sound science or meaningful conservation benefit. […]
NEFSA Welcomes New Policy and Advocacy Leaders
Today, the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) announced the appointment of Bonnie Brady as Policy Director and Jason Joyce as Director of Advocacy, two key leadership roles that will strengthen NEFSA’s efforts to support fishermen and coastal communities. Bonnie and Jason bring decades of experience advocating for fishermen and the communities they serve. Their […]
NEFSA Reacts to the Seafood Competitiveness Executive Order
Vice President John Drouin: “NEFSA’s mission is to protect working waterfronts, promote sustainable and economically viable fisheries, and ensure fishermen have a meaningful voice in federal and regional fisheries policy. In response to the Seafood Competitiveness Executive Order, NEFSA submitted comprehensive comments advocating for American fishermen and domestic seafood producers. Our recommendations urge the Administration […]
NEFSA Reacts to ASMFC’s Menhaden Quota Decision
Dustin Delano, Chairman and Chief Strategist of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA), reacted to the ASMFC’s decision to cut the 2026 menhaden quota: Today, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to approve only the 2026 menhaden quota, with a 20% cut, and revisit the issue in one year. While I appreciate […]
New leadership announced for NEFSA
September 29, 2025 Today, the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) is excited to announce new leadership. Aaron Williams, a third-generation fisherman, will be taking over as President. Williams succeeds Jerry Leeman, who has resigned as CEO. As captain of the F/V Tradition, Williams has 25 years of experience fishing for fluke, scup, squid, and […]
New England Fishermen Celebrate Trump Executive Order Aimed at Restoring the U.S. Seafood Industry
April 18, 2025 President Donald Trump moved to reinvigorate the U.S. seafood industry and restore U.S. dominance on Thursday with an executive order that drew praise from Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) as well as the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA). “The United States should be the world’s dominant seafood leader. But in addition to […]