America’s iconic fisheries are making a comeback

April 17, 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday on restoring America’s seafood dominance. The order breaks with decades of overregulation that has crushed working families in maritime communities and commits the federal government to improving our competitiveness in international markets.

“Fishing was the founding trade of our nation. But now our industry is deep in decline,” said Jerry Leeman, CEO of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA). “This was a choice precipitated by Washington busybodies who have never been on a fishing voyage. Today’s order refocuses fisheries management where it belongs – the success and prosperity of American fishermen.”

Commercial fisheries are regulated through eight regional management councils. The executive order directs the councils to identify actions to reduce burdens on fishing and increase yields. The order also directs the councils to integrate fishermen into their research processes, a change NEFSA has advocated since its founding.

“Fishermen know the water better than anyone,” Leeman said. “We have the experience and the knowledge received from our forefathers. Fisheries management will greatly benefit from our know-how.”  

NEFSA looks forward to working productively with regional council members to develop management plans that preserve our business and our resources.

NEFSA is an association of wild harvesters dedicated to preserving the last wild frontier – the ocean.