FCC Newsletter | June 2026
FOR DECADES America's fishermen have supplied one of the nation's healthiest and most sustainable protein sources while remaining largely outside the federal systems supporting other domestic food producers.
Establishing the new USDA Office of Seafood and seafood-focused provisions within the Farm Bill, are an important step toward changing that reality. But these developments are about more than seafood. With ongoing guidance, these national programs can have real local impact across many priorities.
Strengthening domestic food systems could mean investing in a cold storage hub that ensures a community's access to healthy protein and shorter, less costly food supply chains.
Expanding economic opportunity could look like building a local processing facility so fishermen can get their catch to market as fresh as possible, and retain that value in the community.
Supporting workforce development might be establishing skilled trades programs critical for stable seafood systems -- such as welding, mechanics, hydraulics and maritime safety.
Improving access to healthy food may mean carving pathways for more local seafood to enter community institutions like schools and hospitals.
In short, these ongoing developments in federal policy offer ways to connect real-time needs on America's working waterfronts with broader national priorities.
Across the country, Fishing Communities Coalition members are already demonstrating what that potential looks like in practice.
The regional spotlights below illustrate that while each region's needs are different, together they offer insight on what is possible when fishing communities have a stronger seat at the table.
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHTS: Local efforts with a national vision
IN SEASON: Fresh Catch + Policy Pairings
BAIT BOX
Connect & Support
Sign Up for the FCC Newsletter
Do you have questions about how policy impacts your region? Reach out to our members:
Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association
Alaska Marine Community Coalition
Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance
Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara
Gulf of America Reef Fish Shareholders' Alliance
PRESS ROOM
Latest FCC Announcements
April 30, 2026 Press Release: House Farm Bill passage builds seafood momentum
American fishing communities celebrate ongoing seafood support from Congress
April 15, 2026 Press Release: Fishing Communities Coalition applauds USDA Seafood Office announcement
New seafood focus signals growing recognition of fishermen as essential contributors to America’s food system and rural economies
March 3, 2026 Press Release: U.S. Fishing Communities celebrate House reauthorization of Young Fishermen’s Development Act
Action ensures ongoing support for America’s next generation of fishermen and coastal community workforce
