NOAA Fisheries is staring down significant budget reductions and new restrictions that could hinder its ability to manage U.S. fisheries and participate in international conservation efforts.
The proposed cuts come as the agency grapples with stock assessments, regulatory enforcement, and habitat restoration challenges.
The proposed cuts
In July 2024, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved a fiscal year 2025 funding bill that slashes NOAA Fisheries’ budget by 22 percent. If Passed, the agency funding would drop to $865 million, which is $248 million below its 2024 allocation and $239 million less than its requested budget for 2025, according to E&E News.
The cuts would impact the following areas:
- Fisheries Science and Management: reduced from $710 million in 2024 to $637 million.
- Protected Resources Science and Management: slashed from $266 million to $120 million
- Enforcement: lowered from $82 million to $68 million
- Habitat Conservation and Restoration: cut from $56 million to $40 million
Sources share that these reductions could affect NOAA’s ability to conduct research, monitor fish stocks, and enforce regulations. Notably, restoration efforts for fish populations in the Columbia River Basin and broader fisheries management programs may be impacted.
Industry stakeholders and fisheries scientists remain concerned about the decrease in funding. NOAA plays a key role in enforcing global treaties, tackling illegal fishing, and managing migratory species like tuna and swordfish. Limiting international cooperation could weaken enforcement efforts and disrupt global supply chains.
In addition to these agency changes, President Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to lead NOAA. According to The Guardian, Jacobs previously served as acting administrator in 2019 during the “Sharpiegate” incident, where NOAA controversially supported Trump’s incorrect claim about Hurricane Dorian’s path.
The nomination has sparked concerns about potential political influence over NOAA’s scientific integrity. Sources such as NPR also suggest that the Trump administration is considering a significant overhaul of NOAA, including budget cuts and restrictions, which could further impact the agency’s capacity to manage the country’s fisheries.
Reduced funding and restricted international collaboration could undermine NOAA Fisheries’ ability to conduct essential research, enforce regulations, and maintain sustainable fisheries management. As proposals progress, stakeholders closely monitor their potential impacts on the health of U.S. fisheries and the broader marine ecosystem.
