Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Moves to Reopen New England Scallop Grounds and Cut Fishing Regulations
7/3/2026, 3:16:49 AM
Nationwide Rollback and Scallop Reopening
On July 2, 2026 the U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA announced a nationwide reduction of commercial fishing regulations, including reopening the northern edge of Georges Bank in New England for scallop fishing, a ground closed since 1994.
Background and Prior Management
Georges Bank closed in 1994 after fisheries assessment reported a 40 % cod stock decline and a fleet twice size. New England Fishery Management Council voted in 2024 not to reopen, citing spawning grounds. 2025 order by President Donald Trump directed Commerce Department to loosen restrictions.
Key Players and Timeline
President Donald Trump, adviser Peter Navarro, the Department of Commerce, NOAA, and New England Fishery Management Council spokesman Alexander Dunn are the actors. The rollback was announced on July 2, 2026, building on the 2025 executive order and the council’s 2024 vote.
Economic and Biological Data
The U.S. commercial fishing sector is valued at $320 billion. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service oversees management plans for 45 fisheries. Georges Bank supports Atlantic cod spawning; the 1994 cod stock fell 40 % and the fleet then exceeded sustainable capacity by roughly twofold.
Official Positions, Opposition, and Gaps
The administration frames the changes as a defense of domestic fishing, a boost to harvests and consumers, and a revitalization. NOAA lists priorities such as reviewing permits, boundaries and stock definitions. New England Fishery Management Council has withheld reopening approval, citing ecological concerns, and NOAA has not detailed timing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re opening the Atlantic and the Pacific, and the American consumers are going to benefit from what we’re doing now,” — Peter Navarro, White House adviser
- “We're going to fix that in an environmentally sensitive way, and in a conservation way. It's going to be done systematically,” — Peter Navarro, White House adviser
- “I have opened up the Oceans, Rivers, Lakes, and Seas to our Fishermen, and freed them from ridiculous Environmental restrictions that allowed other countries to take advantage of the United States’ Waters under Barack Hussein Obuma, Sleepy Joe Biden, and the Dumocrats. It is my Great Honor to have done so because I am the Fishermen’s Friend — GO OUT AND VOTE REPUBLICAN IN THE MIDTERMS, BECAUSE IF THE COMMUNISTS GET IN, YOU’LL NEVER FISH AGAIN!” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post
- “The council discussed restarting work to consider scallop fishing on the Georges Bank northern edge but decided not to add it to its 2026 priorities, said spokesman Alexander Dunn.” — Alexander Dunn, spokesman, New England Fishery Management Council
Impact and Next Steps
The reopening could increase scallop supply and lower consumer prices, supporting the $320 billion industry. Environmental groups warn of possible cod stock impacts. The New England Fishery Management Council will revisit the issue at its September meeting, while NOAA continues to assess broader regulatory revisions.
