Trump Restores Commercial Fishing in Pacific Marine National Monuments
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to reinstate commercial fishing in three marine national monuments located in the Pacific Ocean. This decision reverses restrictions that were put in place by previous Democratic administrations aimed at preserving what were deemed “pristine ocean ecosystems.”
The White House indicated that this action aims to support the U.S. fishing industry, potentially lowering seafood prices for American consumers.
“You weren’t allowed to fish. Canada was, Japan was. They all came in to fish, but our people weren’t allowed to fish there. It destroyed livelihoods and made the United States more dependent on foreign products,” Trump remarked during a ceremony attended by commercial fishermen.
The proclamation is expected to restore fishing access in key regions, including parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off Hawaii, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument near Guam, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa. In total, these areas cover about half a million square miles of ocean.
According to the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit group, these underwater sites are recognized as vital in enhancing ocean ecosystems and maintaining declining fish populations.
“President Trump is once again delivering for American fishermen by opening prized Pacific fishing grounds with this Executive Proclamation. By restoring commercial fishing in the remote Pacific, we are creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities and restoring U.S. seafood competitiveness,” stated Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
As reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. marine fisheries produced $319 billion in economic activity and supported 2.1 million jobs in 2023. The Trump administration has made it a priority to bolster fisheries, securing essential domestic supply chains and generating significant economic value through these initiatives.
