President Donald Trump recently signed a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in previously protected marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean. This measure aims to enhance domestic seafood production and bolster U.S. fishing communities. Fishing industry groups, Pacific officials, and Trump administration leaders support the reopening as a boost to domestic seafood production and a way to help U.S. fleets compete internationally.
Although the policy receives backing from certain sectors, it faces criticism regarding the administration’s environmental approach. Conservation groups and researchers warn that loosening protections on public lands and waters may undermine decade-old ecosystem safeguards. Critics emphasize that marine national monuments were created to limit human activity in fragile ocean environments. They argue that actions such as reopening these waters for fishing reflect a broader trend towards deregulation and economic resource use.
Marine Areas Reopened to Fishing
The order permits commercial fishing across parts of three marine protected areas that formerly restricted such activities. Designated by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, these areas aimed to protect ecologically sensitive waters under the Antiquities Act. Oceana’s Fisheries Campaign Director, Ben Enticknap, highlights that national monuments protect the ocean’s health by serving as breeding, feeding, and growing areas for marine life. He describes the proclamation as a gamble with irreplaceable ecosystems for short-term gains.
The 2026 proclamation reopens the following marine national monuments:
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Hawaii) – Specific zones: Mau and Ho‘omalu
- Mariana Trench Marine National Monument (Western Pacific) – Specific zone: Islands Unit
- Rose Atoll Marine National Monument (American Samoa)
According to the White House, these changes reopen nearly half a million square miles of Pacific waters to commercial fishing. The administration argues that prohibiting commercial fishing is unnecessary under monuments’ management, as many species are migratory and protected by existing laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. They claim the decision will lower consumer prices and strengthen domestic supply chains while maintaining federal fisheries oversight.
Why Were the Areas Protected?
Protected marine monuments were established or expanded between 2006 and 2016 to conserve ecosystems. President George W. Bush created several monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea in 2006 and others in 2009, to safeguard areas of historical or scientific value. These include coral reefs, underwater volcanoes, and deep-sea ecosystems. The Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, for instance, protects unique geological and biological features, such as hydrothermal vents and coral ecosystems, known for high biodiversity. Papahānaumokuākea hosts thousands of unique marine species and cultural resources.
In 2016, President Barack Obama expanded Papahānaumokuākea, creating one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. The extension further protected coral reefs, endangered species, and overall ecosystem health by banning commercial fishing in these zones.
Trump Administration Rationale
The Trump administration contends that existing federal fisheries laws adequately protect marine species and habitats. The proclamation asserts that appropriately managed commercial fishing wouldn’t threaten protected scientific and historical objects, considering the migratory nature of fish species and existing oversight. Neil Jacobs, NOAA’s administrator, stated that this action signifies a commitment to American fisheries, highlighting the anticipated increase in U.S.-caught fish on American tables.
Economic factors, such as job creation in the fishing and processing industries, play a role in the decision to boost the domestic seafood supply. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remarked that President Trump’s action opens valuable Pacific fishing grounds, creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
What Happens Next
The proclamation specifies that only U.S.-flagged vessels can fish commercially within these monument boundaries. Foreign vessels can transport fish harvested by U.S. fishermen under permits. Restrictions remain within 50 nautical miles of certain Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and within 12 nautical miles of Rose Atoll.