PORTLAND, Maine – The impending administration of President-elect Donald Trump is expected to implement significant changes in the long-established seafood industry in the U.S. Some industry members anticipate that Trump will be more attentive to their needs during his second term.
However, economic experts are wary, fearing that Trump’s anticipated trade conflicts with key partners like Canada and China could lead to increased costs for consumers, making a staple protein even more expensive. Environmental advocates also express concern that Trump’s focus on deregulation may jeopardize already vulnerable fish populations.
Many from the commercial fishing and seafood processing sectors are optimistic about Trump’s future presidency, anticipating that he will permit fishing in previously protected areas as he did in the past, impose restrictions on offshore wind development, and ease regulations they find cumbersome. This would mark a notable departure from the policies implemented by President Joe Biden, who took a strong stance on ocean conservation and renewable energy initiatives.
The seafood industry, however, is apprehensive about encountering another tariff conflict, which had detrimental effects on fishermen during Trump’s initial term. Beth Casoni, the executive director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, believes that the Trump administration has a unique opportunity to support U.S. fishermen. Casoni emphasized the importance of producing food locally, stating, “The ‘America First’ administration I think will make that point loud and clear. Know where your food is coming from.”
Yet, if Trump moves forward with a proposal to impose a 25% tax on all products coming from Canada, it could disrupt the seafood industry significantly. John Sackton, a long-time industry analyst and founder of Seafood News, noted that Canada is a major trade partner, with nearly one-sixth of U.S. seafood imports coming from there. Statistics show that about 80% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported.
A decline in the Canadian market, especially for American lobster, could potentially trigger a collapse in market prices for fishermen, according to Sackton. He warned that such changes could lead to certain products becoming scarce, while others might spike in price or flood the market, highlighting the interdependence of the seafood industry across the U.S.-Canada border.
Members of Canada’s seafood sector are also anxiously observing what shifts might occur under Trump’s leadership. Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada, conveyed concern that a trade dispute could elevate costs on both sides and inflict harm on the seafood industry in both nations, reinforcing a collaborative effort to communicate this risk to governing bodies.
According to representatives from various commercial fishing organizations, a notable change under Trump’s new administration would be increasing representation for fishermen during significant decision-making processes. During his first term, Trump engaged with fishermen to address their concerns regarding fishing rights in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which covers an area of nearly 5,000 square miles off New England. This rapport may well extend into Trump’s renewed presidency.
The election of a president who publicly opposes offshore wind development has marked a significant victory for the seafood industry, according to Drew Minkiewicz, legal counsel for the Sustainable Scalloping Fund in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Fishermen targeting valuable species, such as scallops and lobsters, have long contested offshore wind projects, worrying that such initiatives could threaten crucial fishing locations. Minkiewicz expressed optimism that offshore wind developments would remain limited to existing sites.
Despite some optimism, there are concerns regarding how Trump will manage the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees fishery regulations. The current NOAA leader, Rick Spinrad, appointed by Biden, will likely be replaced by one of Trump’s appointees, and the seafood industry, having faced numerous challenges recently, including the COVID-19 pandemic and trade tensions with Russia, requires stable leadership. Noah Oppenheim, coordinator for the Fishing Communities Coalition, voiced his apprehension about any deviations away from a conservation and accountability-oriented approach.
Conservation organizations advocating for stricter regulations, such as enhanced vessel speed rules and improved fishing gear designed to reduce harm to marine wildlife, are also awaiting Trump’s direction regarding fisheries and ocean policy. They hope that the advancements achieved during Biden’s administration will endure through Trump’s next term. Jane Davenport, a senior attorney with Defenders of Wildlife, cautioned against ignoring scientific insights and potentially instigating a chaotic fishing environment that may devastate both fisheries and ocean health in the long run.
This piece highlights the industry’s concerns and expectations as Trump prepares to take office once again, reflecting the intertwined nature of the seafood economy across borders.