Restore NOAA's fisheries management capabilities to sustain economy

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a critical role in managing America's fisheries and maintaining sustainable coastal ecosystems. The regulatory freeze and staffing cuts imposed by the recent Executive order have disrupted NOAA's ability to conduct stock assessments, set catch quotas, and regulate fishing seasons. This upheaval threatens the livelihoods of commercial fishermen, seafood industry workers, and coastal communities that depend on a stable and well-managed fishing environment. Overfishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna and delays in opening major fisheries like the Northeast groundfish and Pacific salmon fisheries demonstrate the real-world impacts of these disruptive actions. Fisheries need consistent, science-based management to ensure the long-term viability of fish stocks and the businesses that rely on them. Restoring NOAA's full capabilities and allowing it to operate free from political interference is essential to safeguarding our marine resources and the economic well-being of coastal regions. We urge you to take immediate steps to undo the regulatory freeze and personnel cuts affecting NOAA's fisheries management. Ensuring this vital agency can carry out its statutory obligations is crucial for the sustainability of U.S. fisheries and the hundreds of thousands of jobs they support. Prompt action is needed to mitigate the damage already done and prevent further harm to this critical sector of our nation's economy and food system.