FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2025
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

Arlington, VA – The House Appropriations Committee today advanced an amended fiscal FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill that provides $76.8 billion in discretionary spending, a 2.8% decrease from the FY25 level. The bill provides $5.8 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is $387 million, or 6% below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level and $931 million above OMB’s fiscal year 2026 request. Read the Network’s letters of support for restoring NOAA’s funding submitted to the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement:

“American seafood and fishing industries depend on well-managed fisheries and thriving working waterfronts. Even though NOAA is largely responsible for providing the management and infrastructure support that fishermen need to keep fishing year after year, the House Appropriations Committee is choosing to decrease the agency’s funding at a time when we as a nation need to invest in our American seafood economy. Underfunding NOAA ultimately undercuts hard-working fishermen and seafood suppliers, plus the millions of people wanting American-caught seafood on their dinner plates.

“Congress still has the opportunity to maintain funding levels that invest in American small businesses, family fishermen and their communities, and American economic and seafood success. We urge them to maintain current funding levels for NOAA and the National Marine Fisheries Service.”

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The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a coalition of commercial and recreational fishing associations, regional and national conservation groups, aquaria, and marine science organizations committed to sustaining fish populations, healthy marine ecosystems, and robust fishing communities.