Some commercial fishermen who previously supported President Donald Trump are expressing growing dissatisfaction, citing economic pressures and policy decisions that they argue are undermining their industry. This sentiment could pose challenges for Republicans in key electoral races in states like Washington, Alaska, and Maine.
John Evich, a commercial fisherman in Washington and Alaska who has voted for Trump three times, stated that he would switch his vote if a candidate offered a better approach to supporting the industry. "If somebody came along that was going to do a better job, I would vote for them in a heartbeat," Evich said.
Linda Behnken, an Alaska fisherman, noted that the increased cost of operations this year has significantly impacted the viability of some fisheries. "Having those costs be so much higher this year has really undermined the viability of some of our fisheries," she said.
Trump has historically sought to align himself with the fishing industry, implementing policies such as expanding fishing territories, enacting aggressive trade measures, and reducing regulations during his first term. He continued these efforts after his election.
However, one of his administration's cost-cutting initiatives, reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which regulates fisheries, has been cited by fishermen as a reason for slower agency responses to industry needs. Staff reductions also led to the agency decreasing its use of weather balloons, a resource fishermen rely on for data.
Fuel costs have also become a major burden. Diesel prices have risen significantly, impacting the profitability of an industry heavily reliant on fuel. Compounding these issues, a trade war with Canada has created complications for the American seafood industry, which has long-standing ties with its northern neighbor.
Despite recent promises from the Trump administration to further reduce regulatory burdens and an executive order aimed at supporting the industry, the support from fishermen appears to be wavering. The administration has continued to court the fishing community, recognizing the political importance of states like Alaska, Washington, and Maine, which feature competitive House and Senate races.
Trump’s administration previously rolled back Obama-era fishing restrictions in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument, a move that was later restored by the Biden administration and then re-reversed by Trump. The fishing industry, with a majority of commercial crews reportedly finding fishing rules too restrictive, has often found common ground with Trump's anti-bureaucracy stance.
However, industry analysts suggest Trump's recent actions have introduced significant disruption. John Sackton, founder of SeafoodNews.com, observed that the industry seems ready to move past the Trump administration, pointing to disruptions affecting NOAA, fisheries science, weather reporting, tariffs, and the overall cost of doing business.
Bonnie Brady, executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, emphasized the immediate pressure of fuel costs, stating that for many fishermen, high prices make it impossible to leave the dock. "Actual dockside marine-fuel prices vary, but the magnitude of the increase is undeniable. It determines whether a trip is economically viable, what the crew earns and whether necessary vessel maintenance can be performed," Brady said.
Chris Brown, a fisherman from Rhode Island, expressed his frustration sarcastically, "It’s huge. It’s crazy. Thank you, Donald Trump."
The trade war with Canada, while initially exempting U.S. seafood products from retaliatory tariffs, has created unease. Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, warned of potential "collateral damage." Steve Train, a lobster fisherman from Maine, who identifies as a "right-leaning centrist," expressed concern that the trade dispute could harm too many people in the middle, urging a reconsideration of the tariffs.
Concerns also surround budget cuts to NOAA Fisheries, which oversees commercial fishing. Proposed cuts of over 40% for fiscal year 2027 threaten science programs, fisheries management, and data collection. Behnken noted that these cutbacks at NOAA have made operations more difficult, impacting fishermen who rely on the agency's services and causing uncertainty for agency employees.
"It’s hard to retain good people when their future at the organization is that uncertain," Behnken said.