US Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector NAICS 11

Jun 16, 2026 - Ocean Conditions Threaten US Fisheries

• A new report from the Ocean Conservancy (OC) warns that climate change, overfishing pressures, bycatch issues, and weakening fish populations are creating growing risks for the US commercial fishing sector. The OC report finds many federally managed fisheries continue to struggle despite decades of rebuilding efforts, with numerous fish stocks, including key species like flounder, salmon, and shrimp, remaining overfished or showing declining population trends. As ocean conditions change for the worse, commercial fishers could face tighter catch limits, shifting fish migration patterns, and higher operational uncertainty. The report also raises concerns about reduced NOAA funding and fisheries management resources by the Trump administration, which could affect stock assessments, regulatory oversight, and long-term sustainability planning. For the US commercial fishing industry, the findings underscore increasing pressure to adapt operations, invest in sustainable practices, and prepare for greater regulatory and environmental volatility across key fisheries.
• An Ohio proposal that could expand the use of eminent domain and land acquisition authority for data center and related infrastructure projects is raising concerns among farmers about the potential loss of agricultural land, Successful Farming reports. Agricultural groups argue that the measure could make it easier for large technology and utility projects to compete with farming operations for land, increasing development pressure in rural areas. As data center construction accelerates, demand for land, electricity, and water resources is growing, potentially driving up farmland values and creating conflicts over land use. Farmers and ranchers worry that productive agricultural acreage could be converted to industrial development, reducing land available for crop and livestock production. The debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing rapid growth in AI and data center infrastructure with the long-term needs of agricultural communities and food production.

• The closure of more than 50 US Forest Service facilities across 31 states is raising serious concerns about the management and protection of US forests, especially ahead of an expected severe wildfire season, Yahoo!News reports. The Forest Service plays a critical role in monitoring, predicting, and responding to wildfires across 193 million acres of forests and grasslands. Reductions in research capacity, staffing, and regional coordination could weaken early detection systems and limit the effectiveness of firefighting efforts. The closures come as 2026 wildfire activity is already well above average, with significantly more fires and acres burned compared to historical levels. Experts warn that reduced scientific support and operational resources could increase the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires, threatening forest health, ecosystems, and surrounding communities. The agency’s restructuring risks impairing its ability to manage and protect forests during a period of escalating climate-related risks.
• The USDA's 2025 corn crop estimate missed actual harvested acreage by 4.5 million acres, a 5% undercount described as the worst in recent memory, The New York Times reports. The undercount came amid staffing cuts at the agency, which reduced the National Agricultural Statistics Service from 800 to roughly 500 employees, a 34% decline. Survey response rates have also fallen from 60% to about 40% over the past decade. For US farmers and commodity traders, the consequences are serious. Inaccurate USDA data distorts pricing signals, leaving farmers at a disadvantage against algorithmic traders who exploit data gaps. Eroding trust in USDA reports risks a feedback loop with fewer responses leading to worse estimates, further undermining confidence. The agency is exploring AI and remote sensing as substitutes and plans to expand survey samples, pending approval from the Office of Management and Budget.