photo credit: David Hills Photography
At Seafood Harvesters of America, we’re on the front lines—working with policymakers, fisheries managers, and scientists to ensure that national policies support the long-term sustainability of U.S. seafood and the profitability of the businesses that depend on it. We’re proud of the strides the industry has made to rebuild fish stocks and grow a stronger, more resilient seafood sector—and we’re committed to driving that progress forward.
With our headquarters in Washington, D.C., we’re perfectly positioned to track and influence the latest legislation and regulatory developments. We advocate every day for the priorities that matter most to the U.S. seafood industry—because the future of our oceans, coastal communities, and the profitability of our businesses depends on it.
Key Highlights of Our Current Work
Magnuson Stevens Act
We are steadfast advocates for the core conservation and sustainability provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act—the backbone of responsible fisheries management in the United States. Its science-based catch limits, firm rebuilding timelines, and strong accountability measures have been critical to restoring fish stocks and securing the long-term success of the U.S. seafood industry. Healthy fisheries mean thriving fishing communities, profitable businesses, and a reliable supply of sustainable American seafood.
Fisheries Technology Survey
The Seafood Harvesters of America, along with NOAA Fisheries scientists, Conservation X Labs, and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, and Alaska Ocean Cluster, conducted an online survey targeting members of the fishing industry to identify and better understand technology priorities and needs. The goal of this survey was to create a list of technology priorities for the fishing industry that can be shared with funders and tech developers so that new tech both addresses fishing industry needs and provides business opportunities for developing products that are needed by a large consumer base.
We are excited to share our
survey report HERE!
Stay tuned for additional opportunities to help advance fisheries technology. This is just the start and we look forward to continuing the work to make fishing safer, more sustainable, and more efficient through smart technology investment.
Electronic Monitoring
We support the development of cost-effective, efficient, and practical electronic monitoring and reporting programs in fisheries nationwide. Electronic technologies can deliver vast amounts of valuable data to managers at a significantly lower cost—but only if they are designed in close partnership with the fishing industry.
Appropriations & NOAA
We are leading advocates for full federal funding of NOAA’s core fisheries programs—including Stock Assessments and Surveys, Regional Fishery Management Councils and Commissions, Electronic Monitoring initiatives and the National Weather Service. These investments are critical to NOAA’s ability to deliver the science, data, and oversight that underpin sustainable fisheries management. Simply put, healthy fisheries and successful seafood businesses depend on a well-resourced NOAA.
“Conservation means responsibly, and profitably, harvesting now so we can leave a healthy, and profitable fishery for generations to come.”
If you have additional questions feel free to email us at info@seafoodharvesters.org.