Panelists say federal investment multiplies economic value of the blue economy Tribal leaders, shellfish farmers and fishing-industry advocates told a Washington, D.C. panel that federal programs and science investments boost jobs, habitat restoration and commercial and recreational fisheries, citing global and U.S. blue-economy estimates and specific program needs.

Federal investments in fisheries and habitat restoration could generate an astonishing $46 in economic value for every dollar spent, fueling the U.S. blue economy's growth.

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#WA #CitizenPortal #HabitatRestoration #SustainableFishing #BlueEconomy

Council adopts 2027–28 interim groundfish specs, amends chili-pepper ACLs and prioritizes trawl follow-up to reduce monitoring costs The council adopted interim 2027–28 groundfish harvest specifications with selected alternative harvest-control rules for several species and approved an amendment to set chili-pepper ACLs to default levels. It also prioritized trawl program follow-on work (observer/EM, shoreside monitoring and cost recovery) and folded those actions into risk-management and follow-on packages for staff to scope.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has just set ambitious interim harvest specifications for 2027-2028, tackling both sustainability and cost efficiency in the fishing industry!

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#WA #MarineManagement #CitizenPortal #CostEfficiency #SustainableFishing

Council adopts interim preferred stock definition for Pacific sardine, directs coastwide assessment work The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to adopt an Interim Final Preferred Alternative redefining Pacific sardine in U.S. waters as a single coastwide stock, and asked staff and NOAA Fisheries to prioritize a coastwide assessment, review harvest control rules, and plan management analyses and advisory-body work this summer and into 2027–2028.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken a bold step in redefining the Pacific sardine stock, aiming to revitalize a species that's seen a staggering 95% decline since 2006.

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#WA #CitizenPortal #EcosystemManagement #MarineConservation #SustainableFishing

Committee defers bill to shorten oyster lease renewals after hour‑long debate over restoration needs and industry investment Representative Ozeron’s proposal to reduce state oyster lease renewal terms from 15 to 6 years drew contrasting testimony: coastal restoration advocates argued shorter terms speed projects and extinguish nonproductive leases, while leaseholders warned shorter terms would undermine multi‑year investments in cultch and reef building; committee voluntarily deferred the bill for more modeling and stakeholder work.

A heated debate in Louisiana over shortening oyster lease renewals from 15 to 6 years could redefine investment and coastal restoration efforts.

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#LA #CoastalRestoration #LouisianaOysters #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPolicy #SustainableFishing

Activist Vessel Rams Krill Trawler Near Antarctica #OceanConservation #AntarcticNews #SustainableFishing

VMRC tweaks recreational rules: bluefish bag limits raised; black sea bass options sent to public hearing; February payback planned The commission set private/for‑hire bluefish bag limits equally at five fish, agreed to advertise alternative black sea bass options (including possible 12.5" and 13" minimums and season start dates) for April public comment, and directed staff on mid‑season closures to fulfill February black sea bass payback days.

Virginia's VMRC is shaking up fishing regulations with new bluefish limits and two exciting options for black sea bass—what does this mean for anglers?

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#VA #VirginiaFisheries #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryTransparency #PublicOutreach #SustainableFishing

VMRC scales back 2026 oyster replenishment after shell‑dredge accident, shifts to seed and alternative substrate After a shell‑dredge was damaged and unavailable, VMRC approved a reduced 2026 oyster replenishment plan that prioritizes high‑need sites, increases seed planting, and uses alternative substrates (stone) while exploring incentives to rebuild the dredge.

A critical shell-dredge accident forces Virginia's oyster replenishment program to scale back dramatically, shifting focus to high-need areas and alternative substrates.

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#VA #ResourceManagement #CitizenPortal #VirginiaOysters #SustainableFishing

NOAA Demonstration Confirms ThayerMahan’s Ability to Detect IUU Fishing GROTON, Conn., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ThayerMahan, a leader in autonomous maritime surveillance and acoustic intelligence, today announced the successful completion of its NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement-sponsored IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) Fishing Detection and Interdiction Demonstration. The 18-day operation, conducted in the Gulf of Maine, validated ThayerMahan’s solutions as part of a fully uncrewed, layered surveillance architecture capable of wide-area detection, classification, documentation, and cueing against IUU fishing activity. Throughout the operation, ThayerMahan’s mobile Outpost® acoustic sensing platforms equipped with ThayerMahan’s linear arrays and leading-edge classification systems delivered continuous maritime domain awareness and […]

NOAA Demonstration Confirms ThayerMahan’s Ability to Detect IUU Fishing #IUUFishing #MaritimeSecurity #SustainableFishing #OceanConservation #TechForGood

Despite unsettled weather, Sussex IFCA have continued patrols across the district.
Using FPV Osprey and FPV Merlin, they carry out boardings to check catches, gear marking and compliance.
More on our vessels via asset brochures on our website.
#InshoreFisheries #SustainableFishing #Sussex_IFCA

Hooking big fish in warming oceans comes with a catch When it comes to fishing, reeling in the biggest one is often the goal. But as it turns out, leaving the largest and oldest fish in the water can help entire fish populations cope better with ocean wa...

"leaving the largest and oldest fish in the water can help entire fish populations cope better with ocean warming"

phys.org/news/2026-03... #bigfish #buffer #climatechange #fish #fishing #foodsupply #sheldonspectrum #sustainablefisheries #sustainablefishing #warmingocean

How new fishing tech can reduce bycatch of turtles and other creatures Specially equipped nets can help save some species, while allowing fisherman to still catch others.

How new fishing tech can reduce bycatch of turtles and other creatures #Science #Biology #Ecology #BycatchReduction #SustainableFishing #MarineConservation

arstechnica.com/science/2026/03/how-new-...

How new fishing tech can reduce bycatch of turtles and other creatures Specially equipped nets can help save some species, while allowing fisherman to still catch others.

How new fishing tech can reduce bycatch of turtles and other creatures #Technology #EmergingTechnologies #Other #SustainableFishing #BycatchReduction #MarineConservation

arstechnica.com/science/2026/03/how-new-...

Senators spar over menhaden bill as department warns of quota, enforcement and equity risks Lawmakers debated a bill to change entry and required landings in the menhaden (pogie) fishery, with supporters saying it restores access for fishermen excluded in 2019–2021 and opponents and DMR warning it could complicate enforcement and shrink shares for incumbents; vote outcome not specified on the transcript.

A heated debate in the Maine Senate over a controversial menhaden bill could reshape the fishing landscape, as lawmakers clash on issues of fairness and access for displaced fishermen.

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#ME #SustainableFishing #CitizenPortal #EquityInResources

U-turn on fish sizes not enough for some Groups still want the government to consider killing the Fisheries Amendment Bill entirely.

Backdown:U-turn on fish sizes not enough for some.
#MarineEcology #fisheries #SustainableFishing

www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...

Alaska caucus briefing spotlights federal conservation funding, recruitment and local outreach Representatives from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Safari Club International told Alaska legislators and attendees that excise-tax funds (Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson) and license revenue underwrite much state conservation work, and described caucus education, outreach (R3) and local programs such as Hunters for the Hungry.

Alaska's sportsmen's caucus is redefining conservation funding and outreach, revealing how your license fees and taxes are shaping the state's wildlife policies!

Learn more here

#AK #CitizenPortal #WildlifeManagement #SustainableFishing #AlaskaConservation #CommunityOutreach

A fisherman gently releasing a fish into a lake, representing sustainable fishing practices.

Fishing isn’t just about today—it’s about protecting tomorrow.

Fishery Conservation is shaping how we fish, manage resources, and sustain ecosystems. Anglers who understand this shift are better positioned for long-term success.

👇 Link in comments

#FisheryConservation #SustainableFishing

Senate Finance sets aside plan to repeal sunset on fisheries tax credit after objection Senate Finance deferred action on a committee substitute for SB 130, which would repeal the sunset for the fisheries product development tax credit and broaden eligible investments. Senate staff and the Alaska seafood task force supported the CS; a committee objection led leaders to place the bill aside for sponsor dialogue.

The Senate Finance Committee has paused a crucial decision on a fisheries tax credit overhaul after a last-minute objection raised concerns about its future.

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#AK #AlaskaFisheries #TaxCredits #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableFishing

Voices from the Mediterranean: Small-Scale Fishers’ Experiences with the EU Common Fisheries Policy - Seas At Risk Many pressures on Mediterranean low-impact fisheries stem from poor implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. Watch the video and read the report.

Read their report: seas-at-risk.org/publications...

#OceanGovernance #SustainableFishing #CFP

@ec.europa.eu @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu

5 years of the @sussexifca.bsky.social #NearshoreTrawlingByelaw 🐟🪸Protecting 304 km² of seabed, safeguarding habitats, and supporting sustainable fisheries for species, ensuring healthy seas for the future.
#Sussex_IFCA #SustainableFishing #MarineConservation #inshorefishing @sussexkelp.bsky.social

Commission briefed on trawl'to'pot conversion for Puget Sound non'spot shrimp; public comment period open WDFW staff briefed the Commission on CR 102 implementing legislation that defines non'spot shrimp and creates a voluntary pathway for trawl license holders to convert to pot licenses; the rule package addresses gear, buoy labeling, quota reporting and an alternative gear testing pathway. Public comment for the CR 102 package is open through March 15.

Washington's Fish and Wildlife Commission is redefining shrimp fishing with a new pot-only license for non-spot shrimp—find out what this means for local fishers and conservation!

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#WA #MarineBiodiversity #CitizenPortal #WildlifeConservation #SustainableFishing

Council confirms preliminary preferred ABC/ACLs for multiple groundfish stocks After reviewing new projections, the council formally adopted preliminary preferred alternatives (PPA) for ABCs and ACLs for several rockfish and flatfish species for the 2027–28 cycle, endorsing GMT/GAP recommendations to proceed to final specification work.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken a critical step towards shaping the future of groundfish stocks by confirming preliminary harvest specifications for 2027–28.

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#WA #MarineBiodiversity #CitizenPortal #HarvestManagement #SustainableFishing

Council adopts in‑season increases for commercial canary rockfish limits and Oregon recreational changes The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted unanimously March 7 to raise commercial non‑trawl canary rockfish trip limits and to change Oregon's long‑leader recreational limits, adopting GMT and GAP recommendations to reduce discard and improve access while keeping coastwide ACLs intact.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council just approved significant changes to canary rockfish limits, aiming to reduce waste and enhance fishing opportunities for both commercial and recreational anglers!

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#WA #CitizenPortal #MarineConservation #RegulatoryReform #SustainableFishing

Council backs testing hookless ring terminal tackle under EFPs and asks NMFS to prioritize flexible terms The council recommended NMFS approve EFP testing of hookless ring terminal tackle for HMS fisheries and asked NIMS to prioritize flexibility in operative EFP terms (depth, timing, vessel additions) within existing FEIS effort limits so applicants can iterate and share lessons quickly.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council is paving the way for innovative hookless ring tackle that promises to maintain swordfish catches while reducing bycatch—could this be the future of sustainable fishing?

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#WA #MarineBiodiversity #CitizenPortal #SustainableFishing

House Finance subcommittee adopts FY27 Fish and Game budget, 5–3, after debate over hatchery funding On March 3, 2026, the House Finance Department of Fish and Game Subcommittee voted 5–3 to adopt its FY27 operating budget recommendations, approving funding swaps that move some hatchery costs onto federal Dingell‑Johnson receipts and adding three temporary positions for the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC).

The House Finance Subcommittee's narrow 5-3 vote to adopt the FY27 Fish and Game budget sparks controversy over hatchery funding and new positions at CFEC!

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#AK #AlaskaFisheries #CitizenPortal #WildlifeManagement #SustainableFishing #BudgetTransparency

Senate Resources moves SB158 after Eastside set‑net permit holders testify Senate Resources held a public hearing on SB158 to create a new Cook Inlet administrative area for East Side set‑net permit holders; multiple permit holders testified in support and the committee moved the bill from committee with no objections.

Senator Jesse Bjorkman champions a new bill that could redefine permit management for East Side set-net fishers, giving them the power to shape their own future.

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#AK #AlaskaSetnet #CitizenPortal #SustainableFishing #LocalEconomy #FisheriesManagement

Bill would codify MDOTDNR funding for oyster restoration after years of program success SB 558 would codify an MDOTDNR MOU that directs Port of Baltimore revenues to a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program funding oyster sanctuaries, aquaculture and natural reef restoration; watermen and conservation groups testified the program boosted oyster recruitment and harvests and recommended a favorable report.

A groundbreaking bill aims to secure funding for Maryland's thriving oyster restoration program, which has seen harvests skyrocket from 26,000 to over 700,000 bushels in just two decades!

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#MD #AquacultureInnovation #SustainableFishing #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalRestoration

House committee hears bill to levy $1 angler surcharge to fund updated sport‑fishing economic study Representative Kevin McCabe introduced HB 304 to require the Department of Fish and Game to produce a biennial report on the economic impacts of sport fishing funded by a $1 surcharge on sport‑fishing licenses; the department’s fiscal note estimates about $465,000 annual revenue and roughly $350,000 contracting cost per study.

A proposed $1 surcharge on sport-fishing licenses in Alaska could fund a crucial economic impact report, bringing outdated data back to life for better conservation and allocation decisions.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #AlaskaFishing #EconomicImpact #SustainableFishing #PublicPolicy

Bristol Bay researchers say in‑season genetics can guide bycatch policy; council adopts Western Alaska cap Jordan Head of the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute told the Alaska House Special Committee on Fisheries that BBSRI’s in‑season genetic monitoring produced weekly stock composition and catch estimates in 2024–25 and was fast enough to inform management; the North Pacific Fishery Management Council last week adopted a Western Alaska‑specific chum salmon cap that explicitly incorporates in‑season genetic monitoring.

Bristol Bay researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking in-season genetic monitoring program that could revolutionize bycatch management and protect Western Alaska's salmon stocks!

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#AK #AlaskaFisheries #CitizenPortal #GeneticMonitoring #BycatchPolicy #SustainableFishing

Angler fishing in open water illustrating Aquaculture vs Wild Catch comparison, highlighting sustainable fishing, fish farming, and wild fisheries conservation 🎣🌊 #AquacultureVsWildCatch #SustainableFishing #FishingEducation

Aquaculture vs Wild Catch is redefining the future of fishing.

Understanding fish farming, wild fisheries, and sustainability helps anglers protect the future of the sport.

Read the full expert guide in the first comment.

#AquacultureVsWildCatch #FishingLife #SustainableFishing #FishingEducation

Committee extends Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative for two years after split votes Faced with calls from some fishermen for a shorter review, the committee rejected a three‑year reauthorization of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative and instead approved a two‑year extension with staggered board terms and direction to solicit more industry input.

The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative just got a two-year extension amidst a heated debate, leaving fishermen divided on the future of their industry!

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#ME #MarketingStrategy #CitizenPortal #MaineLobster #SustainableFishing