Trump opens Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing expansion
Trump lifts commercial fishing restrictions in three Pacific marine monuments amid economic versus conservation debate.
Event / Environment
Trump Pacific Marine Monuments
President Trump signed a proclamation on June 11, 2026, reopening three Pacific marine national monuments—Papahanaumokuakea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll—to commercial fishing. The Commerce Department supports the decision as benefiting coastal economies, while environmental groups oppose it citing concerns about ocean biodiversity and Native Hawaiian stewardship.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 12 Jun, 07:36 UTC
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What happened
Environmental groups criticize Trump decision as threat to ocean sanctuaries
Environmental organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity, opposed Trump's decision to open protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing. Critics characterized the action as a reckless attack on ocean sanctuaries, arguing it ignores scientific evidence, undermines Native stewardship, and risks irreparable damage to biodiversity for no public benefit.
Trump administration lifts commercial fishing restrictions in three Pacific marine monuments
The Trump administration lifted commercial fishing restrictions in three Pacific marine national monuments that were originally designated by President George W. Bush and subsequently expanded by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The monuments—Papahanaumokuakea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll—had previously barred commercial fishing activity.
Commerce Secretary cites economic opportunity from restoring Pacific commercial fishing
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that restoring commercial fishing in remote Pacific waters creates economic opportunity for coastal communities and restores U.S. seafood competitiveness. The administration framed the decision as addressing concerns that marine monument restrictions had pushed commercial fishermen further offshore into international waters where they faced competition from foreign fishing fleets subject to fewer regulations.
President Trump signs proclamation to open Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing
President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation in the Oval Office opening protected Pacific Ocean waters to commercial fishing. The proclamation removed fishing restrictions within portions of three marine national monuments: Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument near the Hawaiian Islands, Mariana Trench Marine National Monument near Guam, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monument near American Samoa. The action reopens nearly half a million square miles of water.
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