By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a proclamation reopening large portions of several Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, arguing that existing federal conservation laws already provide adequate protections for marine ecosystems while allowing economic opportunities for American fishermen.
The proclamation modifies previous presidential restrictions on commercial fishing within parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, according to the White House.
Trump said federal laws and fisheries management programs already provide extensive safeguards for marine species and habitats.
“Hundreds of thousands of square miles of ocean were cut off for them. They can’t fish,” Trump said during the signing ceremony. “Other people could fish. They couldn’t. These people weren’t allowed to fish.”
He argued that American fishermen had been unfairly restricted from accessing waters where they have traditionally operated.
The move received support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which said previous restrictions pushed U.S. fishing fleets farther into international waters, where they faced increased competition from foreign vessels operating under less stringent regulations.
“Restoring commercial fishing access to these vital areas reflects the continued commitment of this Administration to American fisheries, which are built on the foundation of rigorous science, robust monitoring, strong enforcement, and the daily commitment of our dedicated fishermen,” NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said in a statement. “This historic action will lead to more U.S.-caught fish on American tables.”
The proclamation is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at expanding domestic seafood production and strengthening the U.S. fishing industry.
In April 2025, Trump signed an executive order focused on reducing regulatory burdens, addressing unfair foreign trade practices, increasing seafood exports, and implementing an America First Seafood Strategy. That order also restored commercial fishing access within portions of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.
In February 2026, the administration extended that effort by reopening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.
Environmental groups strongly criticized the latest action and vowed to challenge it in court.
The environmental nonprofit Earthjustice said the proclamation threatens important marine habitats and species protected within and around the monuments.
“Commercial fishing in our protected marine monuments would not only be disastrous for the environment, but also does nothing for the fishing industry,” said David Henkin, deputy managing attorney for Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific Office.
Henkin argued that protected marine areas help sustain fish populations and preserve biodiversity, while warning that increased commercial activity could undermine long-term conservation goals.
Earthjustice indicated it plans to file legal action challenging the administration’s decision, setting up what could become a significant legal battle over the future management of some of the nation’s largest marine protected areas.
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