The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a proposal to reduce NOAA Fisheries’ budget by 40 percent, a move that would slash funding for the agency’s core science and management programs. The steep cuts, unveiled during the House Appropriations Committee’s 10 September markup of the Commerce Department funding bill, set up a direct conflict with the Senate, which has so far rejected similar reductions sought by the Trump administration.
The House bill would allocate USD 685.7 million (EUR 582.5 million) to NOAA Fisheries for fiscal year 2026 – down from USD 1.15 billion enacted in 2024 and more than USD 100 million below the administration’s own request. By contrast, the Senate version of the bill includes close to USD 1.2 billion, highlighting the sharp divide between the chambers over the agency’s future funding levels.
The proposed USD 464 million reduction drew swift criticism from conservation and industry advocates concerned about the impact on sustainable seafood production. The Ocean Conservancy called the proposal “draconian,” warning it would undermine NOAA’s ability to maintain healthy fisheries, ensure seafood safety, and protect marine ecosystems.
For aquaculture and wild capture fisheries alike, the outcome of this budget debate will shape the resources available for science, permitting, and oversight – critical pillars of U.S. seafood production and market confidence.
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