Reston, VA – April 15, 2026 – From its fundamental role in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and its investment in aquaculture and invasive species protection to its inclusion of fish in nutrition programs, the Department of Agriculture has long supported the production and consumption of commercial seafood.
National Fisheries Institute President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard and Vice President of Government Relations Kedrin Simms Brachman with Mike Illenberg, newly appointed Director of the USDA Office of Seafood in Washington, D.C. on April 15, 2026.
With today’s announcement of the Office of Seafood, we look forward to expanding that work and developing a fuller partnership with USDA. From bait to plate and pond to processor there are many facets of this industry that can benefit from the Department’s expertise in feeding Americans and assisting American businesses that produce food. Seafood can have a necessarily complex value chain that is proud to feature iconic American fisheries and globally sourced raw material processed and distributed here in order to provide American families the healthiest animal protein on the planet.
We thank Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration for this critical step to improve the health of both Americans and the seafood industry.
Lisa Wallenda Picard
President & CEO
