Trump opens up Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing
The order restores access to nearly half a million square miles and limits fishing to U.S.-flagged vessels under existing federal oversight.
- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to portions of three Pacific marine national monuments, reopening about half a million square miles to United States-flagged vessels.
- Industry leaders lobbied for decades to compete against foreign fleets, and the administration argued that prohibiting commercial fishing is "not necessary" for protecting marine ecosystems, citing existing federal fisheries laws.
- Sig Hansen, captain of Deadliest Catch, joined Trump at the White House for the signing ceremony, where Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated the move creates economic opportunities for the $125 million Honolulu-based longline industry.
- Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, denounced the proclamation as a "reckless attack" on ocean sanctuaries, warning that removing vessel restrictions threatens endangered wildlife and disrupts vital marine ecosystems.
- Legal challenges are expected to follow this action, mirroring previous disputes over the president's 2025 marine monument orders, as conservationists continue to argue that these protected areas are essential for fish stock recovery.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Trump Reopens Pacific Marine Monuments to Commercial Fishing
President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a proclamation reopening large portions of several Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, stating that existing federal conservation laws provide sufficient protections for marine resources while allowing economic opportunities for U.S. fishermen. The proclamation modifies previous presidential actions that restricted commercial fishing within portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Na…
Trump signs proclamation opening more protected ocean areas to commercial fishing
President Donald Trump opened three marine protected areas in the Pacific Ocean to commercial fishing with a proclamation on Thursday that he said will boost the U.S. seafood industry.
'It's a lousy idea': KIRO hosts question Trump's move to open protected waters for seafood industry boost
President Donald Trump opened three marine protected areas in the Pacific Ocean to commercial fishing with a proclamation Thursday that he said will boost the U.S. seafood industry. KIRO host Spike O’Neill and fill-in host Mike Lewis raised concerns with Trump’s move to open up the three monuments in an attempt to lower seafood prices, even though the actual size of each protected zone is relatively small. “These national monuments are protected…
Trump signs proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to nearly 500,000 square miles of pacific ocean
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Thursday restoring commercial fishing access to nearly 500,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean waters, reversing restrictions from previous administrations that he said hurt American fishermen and increased U.S. reliance on foreign seafood. The action modifies proclamations establishing marine national monuments in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Mariana… The post Trump signs proclam…
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