Trump Reopens Atlantic Waters to Commercial Fishing

President Donald Trump announced that he has issued a proclamation to reopen large areas of protected waters in the Atlantic, off the coast of New England, to commercial fishing. He claims this decision will restore fishing access and ease what he sees as burdensome regulations for fishermen.

This announcement came late Friday via Truth Social, where Trump described the action as “another huge victory for Maine and all of New England.”

The proclamation aims to reinstate fishing rights in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a 5,000-square-mile area created by former President Barack Obama. Trump had previously rescinded protections during his first term, which President Joe Biden later reinstated.

“Today, I signed a presidential proclamation opening commercial fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and advancing America First Fisheries Policy!” Trump stated. “I’m restoring access to nearly 5,000 square miles of fishing off the New England coast. This will revitalize our nation’s fishing industry and strengthen our rapidly growing economy.”

Trump has consistently criticized the marine monument, while Obama maintained that it was meant to protect vulnerable underwater ecosystems, including corals. Trump views the restrictions as unfair to commercial fishermen.

He accused Democrats of imposing excessive regulations on the fishing industry. “During my first term, I lifted the ban on commercial fishing, but Joe Biden, or whoever is in charge, recklessly reinstated it,” Trump remarked, adding that he has made significant efforts to reverse these “disastrous policies.”

Earlier this year, Trump also issued an order aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on fishermen, according to the White House.

Commercial fishing associations welcomed the announcement, seeing it as a chance to enhance access while promoting sustainable fishing practices. John Williams, president of the Atlantic Red Crab Company based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, expressed support, stating, “We should be rewarded, not punished. We are demonstrating that sustainable fishing is possible.”

On the contrary, environmental advocates opposed the declaration, warning that reopening this area could jeopardize sensitive marine ecosystems. Gib Brogan, from the environmental group Oceana, highlighted that the marine monument was established to ensure strong protections for diverse marine life inhabiting these unique environments.