On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that reopens parts of federally protected marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean to commercial fishing. The administration describes this move as a step to enhance domestic seafood production and support U.S. fishing communities. Fishing industry organizations, some Pacific officials, and Trump administration leaders welcome the policy, stating that it will boost domestic seafood production, support local economies, and help U.S. fleets compete with foreign fishing operations.
However, this decision faces criticism due to its potential environmental impacts. Conservation groups and researchers warn that reducing protections on public lands and waters might jeopardize ecosystem safeguards in place for decades. They argue that marine national monuments were established to limit human activities in fragile ocean environments, and the recent policy changes, which include reopening protected areas to fishing, align with a broader deregulation focus that prioritizes economic benefits.
“These monuments were not created on a whim—they exist because standard fisheries management was not enough to protect the health of these spectacular and vital ocean regions. Today’s proclamation risks years of progress in preserving important ocean habitats and wildlife while keeping vast areas outside of the monuments open to American fishers,” Oceana Fisheries Campaign Director Ben Enticknap told Newsweek.
The order allows commercial fishing across parts of three major marine protected areas previously off-limits or restricted. These areas were designated during the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama using the Antiquities Act, intended to preserve ecologically sensitive waters and marine biodiversity.
Marine Areas Opened to Fishing
The proclamation reopens approximately half a million square miles of Pacific waters for federally managed commercial fishing. The affected marine national monuments include:
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Hawaii)
Specific zones opened: Mau and Ho‘omalu zones - Mariana Trench Marine National Monument (Western Pacific)
Specific zone opened: Islands Unit - Rose Atoll Marine National Monument (American Samoa)
Commercial fishing restored within monument waters
According to the proclamation, prohibiting commercial fishing is viewed as unnecessary for these monuments’ management. The administration argues that many fish species are migratory and protected by existing laws such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The decision aims to reduce import reliance, lower consumer prices, and strengthen domestic supply chains while ensuring oversight under federal fisheries laws.
Why Were the Areas Protected?
The monuments targeted by the proclamation were created or expanded between 2006 and 2016 by Republican and Democratic administrations to conserve marine ecosystems. President George W. Bush used the Antiquities Act to establish several Pacific marine monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea in 2006 and the Mariana Trench and Rose Atoll monuments in 2009, to protect areas of historical or scientific significance.
The Mariana Trench Marine National Monument was established to safeguard unique geological and biological ocean features, such as hydrothermal vents, mud volcanoes, and biodiverse coral ecosystems. Scientists regard the region as containing rare habitats and some of the planet’s deepest, least-explored areas. Similarly, Papahānaumokuākea aimed to protect a vast area of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, home to thousands of marine species, some not found elsewhere, along with significant cultural and historical resources.
In 2016, President Barack Obama expanded Papahānaumokuākea to become one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. The expansion included more offshore waters and banned commercial fishing in these zones to preserve coral reefs, endangered species, and overall ecosystem health.
Trump Administration Rationale
The Trump administration claims that current federal fisheries laws, such as the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, already provide adequate protection for marine species and habitats. The proclamation argues that appropriately managed commercial fishing would not pose a threat to scientific and historical objects within these monuments. Officials emphasize the migratory nature of many fish species and existing regulatory oversight.
“Restoring commercial fishing access to these vital areas reflects the continued commitment of this Administration to American fisheries, built on rigorous science, monitoring, enforcement, and the dedication of our fishermen,” NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs said in a press release.
The administration also highlights economic factors, such as job creation in fishing and processing industries, and the goal of increasing domestic seafood supply. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted, “President Trump is once again delivering for American fishermen by opening prized Pacific fishing grounds with this Executive Proclamation.”
What Happens Next
Under Trump’s proclamation, only United States-flagged vessels will be permitted to fish commercially within these monuments’ boundaries. Permits may be granted to foreign vessels to transport fish caught by U.S. fishermen. Restrictions continue to apply within 50 nautical miles of certain islands and reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and within 12 nautical miles of Rose Atoll, as outlined by the proclamation.
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