John Evich, a commercial fisherman who works the waters of Washington and Alaska, has voted for President Trump three times, believing the president would stand up for his industry. Today, Evich worries that soaring diesel prices and trade tensions with Canada are squeezing his bottom line.
Fuel prices and trade pressures
Diesel fuel, which powers nearly every U.S. commercial fishing vessel, has climbed into the $6‑per‑gallon range, up from under $4 a year ago. Bonnie Brady, executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, called the increase “one of the most immediate pressures on us as commercial fishermen.” High fuel costs determine whether a trip is economically viable, how much crew earn, and whether vessels can afford necessary maintenance.
At the same time, the Trump administration’s trade stance with Canada has added uncertainty. While Canada has exempted U.S. seafood from its counter‑tariffs, earlier tariff measures on Canadian goods created a broader dispute that industry leaders fear could spill over into seafood markets. Patrice McCarron of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association warned that U.S. lobstermen could become “collateral damage in a broader trade dispute.”
Regulatory actions and NOAA cutbacks
President Trump has long presented himself as a pro‑fishing leader. During his first term, his administration rolled back Obama‑era restrictions on the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument, a move praised by many in the sector. More recently, the administration promised in early September to reduce regulatory burdens following a 2025 executive order.
However, fishermen say recent cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have hampered the agency’s ability to serve the industry. Staff reductions have slowed NOAA’s response to fishermen’s needs and reduced the number of weather balloons used for data collection, a critical tool for safe and efficient voyages. Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, noted that NOAA employees are often “doing the work of three people, particularly at the weather service,” creating frustration on the water.
Industry sentiment and political implications
A 2026 NOAA survey found that 70 % of commercial fishing crews believed fishing rules were too restrictive, reinforcing the administration’s narrative that bureaucracy hampers the industry. Yet analysts like John Sackton, founder of SeafoodNews.com, argue that the cumulative effect of fuel costs, trade disputes, and agency cutbacks represents “an unbelievable wave of disruption” that could push fishermen to look beyond the current administration.
Fishermen across key states—Alaska, Washington, Maine, and New York—are watching closely as midterm elections approach. Their concerns could influence competitive House and Senate races in those states, making the fishing sector a pivotal constituency for the Trump administration.
Looking ahead
While the administration continues to tout its efforts to reduce red tape and support American seafood producers, the immediate challenges of high fuel prices, trade complexities, and reduced NOAA capacity remain front‑and‑center for fishermen. Stakeholders say that addressing these issues will be essential to maintaining the industry’s viability and preserving the Trump administration’s support among this traditional ally.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
