SHIFT Act

Key Points

• The bill updates federal fisheries law to require the government to factor in changing ocean conditions when setting fishing quotas. The Secretary must use the best available science to track shifts in where fish actually live, ensuring quota allocations reflect ecological reality rather than outdated historical patterns.
• When fish populations shift into a different regional council's territory, the bill creates a structured process for those councils to coordinate. The Secretary can trigger a review, and the affected councils have one year to agree on a plan. If they cannot agree, the Secretary steps in to assign responsibility.
• Regional fishery management councils must review their lists of approved fishing gear and fisheries every five years. New fisheries or gear can only be added after an analysis shows they will cause minimal harm to fish habitat, existing fishing communities, and the marine ecosystem.
• No one may use unlisted fishing gear or engage in unlisted fisheries without first notifying the relevant council, which can either prohibit the activity or recommend it be added to the approved list.
• The law would take effect 180 days after enactment, and the Secretary of Commerce must report to Congress every five years on how well the new framework is working, including data on resolved cross-boundary fisheries disputes.