Fishery Policies
National Fishery Policies
The primary policy for fisheries in the United States is the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Passed by Congress in 1976, the MSA provides the basis for fishery management in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It has been amended many times but large, wholesale changes have been made in 1996 with the Sustainable Fisheries Act, and 2006 with the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (MSRA).
National Legislation
While the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 is the primary fisheries mandate for the Council, it isn’t stagnant and has been updated and reauthorized, the last time in 2006. Legislation is constantly being introduced in Congress that may impact fisheries in the Western Pacific region.
*From Pacific Islands Fisheries News Summer 2025-Congressional Corner:
With a budget bill and other priorities already passed, the 119th Congress is moving forward on additional legislation, including measures affecting fisheries. Much of the focus has been on protected species.
On July 22, 2025, the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a hearing on a discussion draft to reform the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The draft proposes new definitions and significant changes to the Take Reduction Plan (TRP) process. One notable change for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council would require councils to concur with proposed TRP fishing regulation changes. These recommendations would then be implemented through the existing Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) process—a departure from current procedures. The hearing allowed subcommittee members to discuss the draft before a potential bill introduction.
The subcommittee also reviewed Executive Order 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.” Rick Bellavance, chair of the Council Coordination Committee, testified on the importance of fishing in the United States and the councils’ successful management efforts. He noted that reduced funding and capacity have hindered the councils’ ability to receive timely information for informed decision-making.
Earlier this year, the House passed the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act of 2025. It would require the Department of Commerce to create a task force—including council representatives—to address shark depredation, a persistent issue in the Western Pacific. The bill is now with the Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
In June, Representatives Huffman (D-CA), Moylan (R-GU), and Case (D-HI) reintroduced the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, which would amend and reauthorize the MSA. Similar legislation was introduced last Congress but did not pass. The new bill adds provisions on climate change and increased fisheries oversight, with potential significant impacts on how fisheries are managed in the Western Pacific.
The Senate has also been actively working on fishery issues. In July, it passed the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act (S. 283), introduced by Senators Cruz (R-TX) and Schatz (D-HI). The bill directs NOAA to develop a methodology for identifying seafood’s country of origin to help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It now awaits House action, which has a similar measure—H.R. 3706, the Standards for Understanding Source and Habitat Identification (SUSHI) Act.
At the midpoint of the biennium, the 119th Congress has been busy on fisheries legislation and shows no sign of slowing.
Click here for current bills in Congress that are of interest to the Council. Please note that these bills may change and for the most current information, visit www.congress.gov
Regional Legislation
Each of the island areas in the Western Pacific region also have legislative bodies that pass laws that may have impacts on fisheries and fishing communities in their island areas. To follow legislation of each island area, click on the links below:
American Samoa
CNMI
Guam
Hawaii
Presidential Executive Orders
The President can also impact fisheries through direct management from the Administration in the form of Executive Orders, Presidential Proclamations, and other directives. The table below lists some of the recent Executive Orders that also have a fisheries component.
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