Marine/Maritime/Boating/Fisheries

Federal legislative, regulatory and diplomatic activities pertaining to the domestic and international conservation and management of highly migratory species of fish and fishery bycatch including protected resources. Legislation and administrative actions to address IUU fishing, forced labor and fraud in the global seafood supply chain. Recommended measures to implement the Executive Order "Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness".

Port renovations and expansion projects.

Coast Guard acquisition reform matters.

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization. Energy and Water Appropriations FY26/FY27

Issues related to the Jones Act; SHIPS for America Act

Monitor legislation and regulations relating to National Marine Sanctuaries

Issues related to U.S. Maritime Administration reauthorization and the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Issues related to the United States Marine Highway Program. Issues relating to vessel speed restrictions and right / rice whales.

Federal policy and regulatory issues related to deep-sea exploration, maritime operations, and offshore research activities, including engagement on permitting frameworks, jurisdictional authorities, and U.S. policy considerations affecting commercial ocean exploration and recovery activities.

Ongoing efforts to monitor and assist Client with strategy and advice related to the Passenger Vessel Safety Interim Rule being implemented by the USCG and the impacts on the Clients fleet of vessels Continue to monitor and help Client evaluate the 2025 final EPA ruling on CA CARB waiver provisions on commercial harbor craft engine emission standards, including application of the Congressional Review Act; ongoing search of Federal grant opportunities for vessel engine emission reduction projects; status of other non-vessel CARB waivers; Congressional oversight of CARB activities. Monitoring and reporting on USCG vessel rules; District name change, use of Starlink as approved maritime communication method, implications of the federal government shutdown on vessel documentation process and renewal of mariner credentials, and other developments Monitor congressional hearings/markups/CR/NDAA/USCG reauthorization legislation for ocean-related issues and report to Client ● Ongoing communications with Client on numerous marine/oceans issues including: status of marine monuments and sanctuaries; energy development in the region, national MRIP reform efforts, Hill staff changes, MMPA issues; fishery disaster reform; MSA reauthorization; passenger vessel consumer protection bill; marine equipment on board vessels rule; SMS for domestic passenger vessels; cybersecurity standards for the Maritime Transportation System; new training standards for seafarers on international commercial passenger vessels; vessel oil spill response developments; Jones Act; night watch standards; and international vessel emissions policy development; support for FY 2026 and 2027 NOAA fisheries programs and funding. Report on Administration E.O. development and implementation of its Maritime Action Plan.

Legislation and regulations regarding port cranes and cargo handling equipment.