Today, April 15, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the creation of a new USDA office: the Office of Seafood. Senator Dan Sullivan joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to announce the new Office of Seafood’s creation.
According to a press release from Sen. Sullivan’s office, the new office will “expand federal support for America’s fishermen and seafood harvesters, and ensure fishermen, small businesses, and coastal communities have greater access to USDA programs.” Sen. Sullivan had played a key role in advocating for the new office.
“Alaska’s fishermen deserve the same federal attention, resources, and risk management tools afforded to America’s incredible
farmers,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The new USDA Office of Seafood—an action I’ve been strongly advocating for over the past decade
—opens the door to that opportunity. This office is going to benefit everybody: all of Alaska’s fishermen, our small businesses, and
our many coastal and Interior communities from across the state. I thank Secretary Rollins and Secretary Lutnick for working
closely with me and my team over the past year to fully understand the challenges facing our fishermen and coastal communities
and for taking meaningful action on their behalf. With this new office, we’re going to build a stronger partnership between USDA,
Department of Commerce, the entire Executive Branch, and our fishermen, so they can continue to do what they do best:
sustainably harvesting the freshest and healthiest wild seafood in the world.”
Linda Behnken, Executive Director of Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) says, “This is a game changer for our fleet.”
Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Community Coalition, Michelle Stratton commented: “Expanding USDA’s support for the seafood sector is an important step toward providing small boat fishermen, seafood producers, and coastal communities with the tools and resources that have long helped strengthen America’s other food producers. That added support will help stabilize markets, strengthen local economies, and build resilience for the communities that depend on seafood. All of this provides critical value to the nation – through food security, nutrition, and strong coastal economies.”
“The Department of the Interior is thrilled to support the establishment of the first-ever Seafood Office at the Department of Agriculture – an initiative that puts the people who help feed America first,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “American fishermen are the backbone of coastal economies and a vital part of our nation’s food security. By improving coordination across agencies, the Seafood Office will ensure these fishermen can fully access the tools and programs they need to thrive.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick commented: “The Trump Administration is committed to supporting American fishermen, strengthening our coastal communities, and ensuring families have access to affordable high-quality American seafood. When our fishermen win, America wins.”
According to a USDA press release, the Office of Seafood’s primary role will be integrating America’s fishermen into USDA programs and working with the Department of Commerce to strengthen America’s seafood industry. Quoting the release, “The Federal government now enters a new era of seafood policy where American fishermen will be recognized by USDA as a key part of the U.S. food supply.”
