Commercial fishing groups are pointing to renewed momentum in Congress after the House of Representatives advanced a Farm Bill that includes several long-sought seafood provisions, a move that advocates say aligns with broader efforts to advance legislation like the FISH Act.
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) said the House-passed bill marks a step toward integrating U.S. seafood more fully into federal food policy– something industry leaders have pushed for years.
The legislation includes provisions aimed at formalizing a USDA Office of Seafood, expanding opportunities for domestically harvested seafood in federal purchasing programs, and better aligning nutrition policy with American food production.
“This week’s House action shows that momentum is building across Congress to provide parity for fisheries within federal food policy,” said Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “Fishing businesses in Maine and across the country need the same tools and opportunities available to other American food producers.”
Industry groups say those changes would help level the playing field for fishermen, who have historically been left out of many USDA programs available to farmers and ranchers.
“Bringing seafood more fully into USDA programs is a practical step that can help small and medium-sized fishing businesses compete, innovate, and continue serving their communities,” said Kim Selkoe of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara.
Advocates also tied the House action to broader bipartisan efforts in both chambers, including legislation aimed at expanding access to federal loans, grants, and development tools for seafood businesses.
For fishing communities, the push reflects a growing recognition in Washington that seafood production plays a critical role in food security, coastal economies, and working waterfronts.
As the bill moves to the Senate, industry leaders say they’ll continue pushing for policies that strengthen domestic seafood production and ensure fishermen are treated as part of the nation’s food system alongside agriculture.
