What: On April 6, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rescinded regulations restricting commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument.
Why: The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument (the Monument) consists of 4,913 square miles of waters and submerged lands where the Atlantic Ocean meets the continental shelf. The area was placed off-limits to commercial fishermen by Presidents Obama and Biden. On February 6, 2026, President Trump issued a presidential proclamation restoring the right to fish in the Monument. In an October 14, 2025, letter to NOAA, the Office of Advocacy recommended the Monument be reopened, stating that the closure “has significant impacts on small businesses not only in the fishing industry, but also those that are supported by the fishing industry.” Advocacy also warned NOAA that “[m]arine sanctuaries and marine national monuments are being designated in a manner that does not properly consider fishing industry interests or the proper management of federal resources.”
Action: Review the final rule regarding the reopening of the Monument that took effect April 3, 2026.
FINAL RULE:
ADVOCACY’S LETTER OF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Recommendations for Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness (PDF)
CONTACT: Nick Goldstein
EMAIL: nick.goldstein@sba.gov
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.