Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act of 2025

S. 1152 would amend federal fisheries law to grant Rhode Island two voting seats on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), a regional board that establishes fishing regulations for federal waters off the mid-Atlantic coast. Currently, only seven states have representation on the 21-member council, despite Rhode Island being a major commercial fishing state. Rhode Island fishermen would gain a direct voice in decisions affecting fish stocks they heavily depend on, particularly squid, which the state leads all Atlantic states in harvesting.

If enacted, the bill would expand the MAFMC from 21 to 23 voting members. One Rhode Island seat would be appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce based on recommendations from Rhode Island's Governor, while the second would be filled by Rhode Island's principal state official responsible for marine fishery management. Supporters argue this change is necessary because most Rhode Island commercial fishing landings now come from Mid-Atlantic-regulated stocks, yet the state currently has no formal representation in decisions that directly affect its fishing industry and economy.