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 […]
NEFSA Reacts to Potential Executive Order: Protecting US Fishing Jobs in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America
Statement from Aaron Williams, 3rd Generation Fisherman & NEFSA Board Member: “NEFSA and fishermen are deeply concerned about Executive Order: ‘Protecting US Fishing Jobs in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America.’ This order mirrors the ‘Forage Fish’ Bill, introduced by Democratic Rep. Huffman, which has caused unnecessary climate driven regulations on the fishing industry. […]
NEFSA Flotilla Protest
Dozens of fishermen from the east coast traveled in a flotilla Sunday to the site of the broken Vineyard Wind turbine, to protest the threat that offshore wind poses on the ocean and maritime communities. In addition to the boat protest, dozens of locals gathered on shore for a peaceful “Hands Across the Beach” protest. […]
NEFSA Reacts to BOEM Rescinding Offshore Renewable Energy Leasing Schedule
Statement from Dustin Delano, NEFSA COO: “The BOEM’s removal of the offshore renewable energy leasing schedule puts American fishermen and ecosystems first by safeguarding coastal environments from unreliable energy source development. By removing the arbitrary and mandatory five-year leasing timeline, the Department of the Interior can now take the time needed to evaluate ocean conditions […]
Statement of NEFSA COO Dustin Delano on BOEM Removal of Designated Offshore Wind Energy Areas
“Today marks a great step forward for America’s fishermen, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems. For years, fishermen have fought against over regulation and seen the decline of many communities. All of this has happened while foreign green energy companies were given rushed lease area approvals and free handouts. We’re thankful President Trump and his administration have […]
NEFSA Reacts to GE Vernova’s $10.5M Wind Turbine Settlement
“NEFSA is pleased that GE Vernova is making the people of Nantucket whole. But it is disappointing that offshore wind developers continue to shirk their duty of transparency and accountability. Vineyard Wind did not sign the settlement announced today. This is no surprise. Vineyard Wind has been in CYA mode ever since their turbine disintegrated. […]
Statement of NEFSA CEO Jerry Leeman on passage of ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
“For years the federal government has cut sweetheart deals with foreign offshore wind developers industrializing America’s oceans. Sadly, the final version of OBBB maintains federal favoritism for megacorporations that will destroy American jobs, maritime heritage, and our wild seafood resource. Commercial fishermen are not powerful insiders. But offshore wind developers and their big bank allies […]
NEFSA Statement on Emergency Motion Against Empire Wind
Statement of NEFSA CEO Jerry Leeman: “Empire Wind has sought to industrialize our oceans and put thousands of American fishermen and coastal communities out of business. This foreign-owned company violates federal law, destroys critical fishing grounds, and wreaks havoc on marine life and the ecosystem.” “NEFSA fully supports this legal action to stop Empire Wind […]
NEFSA to Congress: Stop Giving Foreign Fleets A Leg Up Over American Fishermen
Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2025) — American fishermen are going to Congress to warn lawmakers that American fishermen are losing out to Canadian competitors thanks to unfair rules, amid a spike in tensions between the two countries. Dustin Delano, chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) and a fourth-generation lobsterman, is scheduled to testify […]
NEFSA Statement on Empire Wind
Statement of Dustin Delano, chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA): “NEFSA is deeply concerned about the administration’s decision to greenlight Empire Wind, a foreign-owned development project that will destroy historic American fishing jobs. Empire Wind will close highly productive fishing grounds and irreversibly alter the marine environment. Commercial fishing communities […]