Secretary Rollins announces the creation of the USDA Office of Seafood

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a first‑ever Office of Seafood, a new effort aimed at giving fishermen clearer access to USDA programs and strengthening the nation’s seafood industry.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the office Tuesday, April 14, alongside senior administration officials and bipartisan coastal lawmakers, calling it a major step toward recognizing fishermen as “farmers of the sea.” The office will coordinate across USDA agencies and work with the Department of Commerce to streamline services, expand market opportunities, and support domestic production.

Oysters account for 57% of all U.S. mollusk aquaculture sales. Image credit - Wix

Supporters said the move will boost coastal economies, improve food security, and ensure fishermen receive the same federal tools long available to farmers. The announcement comes 50 years after the Magnuson‑Stevens Act established modern federal fisheries management and follows President Trump’s Executive Order 14276 directing agencies to strengthen American seafood competitiveness.

The new office will also help develop the America First Seafood Strategy to grow U.S. processing, marketing, and exports.

See the full news release here>>