Domestic Fishing Is Critical to U.S. Food Security
I have spent my life working at sea as a commercial fisherman. Now, as chairman and chief strategist of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, I represent fishermen across the North Atlantic and the New York Bight. I also speak for their families, coastal businesses, and communities that depend on wild caught American seafood.
Fishermen see real ocean conditions every day. We do not rely on delayed reports or distant theories. Yet too often, federal policy favors paperwork over practical results. Decisions made in Washington directly affect safety, fish stocks, and whether small businesses survive. On the water, bad policy can put lives and livelihoods at risk.
In 2026, it is time to state a simple truth: American wild caught seafood is a pillar of national food security. The United States controls one of the largest ocean resources in the world. Our fishermen harvest it under strict environmental and labor standards. As a result, we provide safe and sustainable food for the country.
Imports and Offshore Wind Threaten Working Waters
At the same time, American fishermen compete with low cost seafood imports. Many of these products come from countries with weak oversight and questionable labor practices. Still, they are often labeled as sustainable or fresh. Meanwhile, U.S. harvesters who follow strict rules struggle to stay afloat.
Farmers face similar challenges. Domestic producers meet high standards, yet imports often undercut them. Fishermen deserve the same level of protection and recognition. Any serious food policy must strengthen domestic seafood production and ensure fair competition.
In addition, offshore wind projects are reshaping fishing grounds. These developments displace fishermen, alter habitats, and introduce permanent industrial structures into active waters. Supporters call it progress. However, many fishermen see long term damage to ocean ecosystems and maritime safety.
There are also security concerns. Large turbine fields can interfere with marine radar and search and rescue systems. When equipment fails at sea, lives are at stake. Infrastructure that weakens safety systems does not belong in working waters.
Fixing Groundfish Through Better Science
New England’s groundfish fishery remains unstable. Quotas swing sharply from year to year, often based on incomplete surveys. A stock may appear strong one season and restricted the next. Yet fishermen on the water sometimes see healthy populations that surveys miss.
When regulators close or restrict a fishery, crews cannot easily shift to another one. Boats stay docked. Workers lose income. Coastal communities suffer even when fish remain plentiful offshore.
Confidence in management starts with better assessments. That means closer cooperation between scientists and fishermen. Industry based research, where crews work directly with researchers, has proven effective in other regions. On the West Coast, long term partnerships have improved data quality and reduced uncertainty.
A Choice for the Nation
The country faces a clear choice. Policymakers can continue sidelining domestic fishermen while expanding imports and industrial ocean projects. Or they can prioritize American food producers and protect working waterfronts.
Recent federal actions have recognized domestic seafood as a matter of national interest. That recognition must translate into consistent policy support. With practical leadership and science grounded in real world experience, American fisheries can remain sustainable and strong.
Commercial fishermen are ready to do the work. Given fair rules and steady support, they can feed American families, strengthen coastal economies, and reinforce national resilience.
