Seafood industry groups are largely backing the Trump administration’s new domestic seafood production push, though some are urging stronger clarification around labeling, imports and offshore processing.
The Trump administration’s 33-page report, America First Seafood Strategy, aims to “strengthen domestic seafood production, modernize infrastructure, expand markets for US fishermen and processors and combat unfair foreign competition,” according to FDA’s statement.
Launched last week, the strategy is a federal effort to bolster domestic seafood supplies, businesses and fishing communities from the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services. The strategy focuses on growing domestic fishing production through labeling and marketing, infrastructure development, trade policy, regulatory reform and nutrition guidance.
The strategy also provides up to $5 billion in USDA loans for the fishing industry to purchase new equipment.
FDA issues draft guidance for voluntary US-origin seafood designation
Within the complex and fragmented global seafood supply chain, sourcing and transparency claims can be difficult to verify, according to FDA.
The agency’s draft guidance seeks input from stakeholders on how to define and substantiate US-origin claims, such as “US-Caught” and “US Farm-Raised,” on seafood labels. If finalized, FDA’s guidance will represent recommendations rather than legally enforceable requirements.
FDA is accepting comments through Dec. 13 via Regulations.gov under docket number FDA-2026-D-6729.
Industry reaction mixed, but generally supportive on seafood strategy
The National Seafood Association “applauds the Trump Administration” for recognizing seafood’s economic and public health value and praised the strategy’s emphasis on infrastructure investment and regulatory reform, according to a statement from Lisa Wallenda Picard, the association’s president and CEO.
At the same time, Picard emphasized the “indispensable role” globally sourced seafood plays in the US supply chain.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance also broadly supports the strategy, citing the need to support domestic wild-caught seafood and address key challenges for the industry including declining revenues, foreign competition and offshore processing.
For example, US seafood harvests declined from an annual average of 4.2 million metric tons between 2011 and 2019 to 3.9 million metric tons in 2021, according to SSA, citing NOAA Fisheries data. In 2024, the value of domestic seafood harvests fell 25% from 2021 levels to $4.9 billion.
Further, Blake Price, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, said shrimpers are seeking “meaningful action” against unfair trade practices and immediate relief from high diesel costs.
Where SSA says the strategy falls short
SSA argues the plan leaves several issues unresolved.
It said the strategy stops short of several priorities for domestic seafood producers, including an investigation into seafood trade and labor practices, stronger enforcement against imported seafood containing banned antibiotics and more oversight into import enforcement as a performance metric.
The group also pointed out that the strategy does not address Federal Trade Commission enforcement of seafood origin claims or clarify whether seafood harvested in the US but processed overseas would qualify for the proposed “US-Caught Seafood” designation.
According to SSA, that latter issue is critical because it could allow seafood processed in countries such as China, India, Vietnam or Mexico to carry the label.
The organization said it will push for disclosure of the country where processing occurred and oppose policies that encourage offshore processing.
