NEFSA Strongly Supports The Passage of H.R. 8509
Vice President John Drouin The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association strongly urges the passage of H.R. 8509. This legislation is critical to ensuring the long-term stability of American fisheries for generations to come. We thank President Trump and Representative Golden for prioritizing American seafood competitiveness and protecting American fishermen. We urge Congress to follow their […]
NEFSA Reacts to the Department of the Interior’s Decision to End Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind Offshore Leases
President Aaron Williams NEFSA is grateful that President Trump and his administration are taking strong steps to protect our oceans and push back on harmful offshore wind projects. Offshore wind threatens our economy, our fisheries, and our national defense and security. For too long, these unreliable projects have put the livelihoods of hardworking American fishermen […]
NEFSA Reacts to the Maine Department of Labor’s Unprecedented Enforcement Action Against Billy Bob Faulkingham
NEFSA Vice President John Drouin The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association strongly condemns the unprecedented enforcement action taken by the Maine Department of Labor against longtime lobsterman Billy Bob Faulkingham. This case represents more than a regulatory dispute. It signals a fundamental misunderstanding of how Maine’s commercial fishing industry operates and how its traditions are […]
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 Pausing of Offshore Wind Projects
Chairman and Chief Strategist Dustin Delano “President Trump is prioritizing American fishermen, working waterfronts, and the United States’ national security by pausing offshore wind projects. These unreliable energy sources are an economic, ecological, and national security threat. Safeguarding the United States includes responsible ocean management, and as stewards of the sea, we’re thankful for this […]
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 […]
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. […]