Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness

Background

• The U.S. oversees vast ocean resources with over 4 million square miles of fishing grounds.
• Most fish stocks are healthy but face heavy regulations limiting productive harvesting.
• Seafood imports account for nearly 90% on U.S. shelves, leading to a trade deficit over $20 billion.
• Aims to end erosion of U.S. seafood competitiveness due to unfair foreign trade.

Purpose

• Address unfair trade practices in the seafood market.
• Promote ethical sourcing and reduce regulatory burdens.
• Build upon previous efforts to enhance domestic fishing sustainability.

Policy

• Promote optimal use of U.S. seafood resources.
• Reduce regulation costs for commercial fishermen.
• Combat illegal fishing practices and protect U.S. markets from foreign competition.

New Era of Seafood Policy

• The Secretary of Commerce to evaluate and potentially suspend overburdening regulations.
  • Assessment of fisheries requiring regulatory adjustments to stabilize markets and boost profitability.
  • Gathering public input for innovative fisheries management improvements.
• Updating the Unified Regulatory Agenda and improving regulatory practices based on current needs.
• Modernizing data collection and fishery assessments with new technologies.
• Developing an America First Seafood Strategy to enhance production and consumer education about seafood.
• Collaborating with trade representatives to formulate a comprehensive seafood trade strategy to address fish competitiveness and unfair practices.
• Examining foreign seafood trade practices for potential negotiations or enforcement actions.
• Revising regulations on imported seafood to target compliance more effectively.
• Reviewing marine national monuments for potential openings to commercial fishing while considering preservation.

General Provisions

• Order does not affect existing authorities of executive departments.
• Implementation must align with applicable law and available funding.
• No new enforceable rights or benefits are created by this order.