Trump Opens Pacific Marine Sanctuaries to Commercial Fishing

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday that opens three marine protected areas in the Pacific Ocean to commercial fishing. Trump asserted that this action is intended to bolster the U.S. seafood industry by removing what he described as stifling restrictions.

The proclamation specifically targets portions of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monument. These are protected zones located in remote Pacific regions.

This decision follows Trump's earlier move in February to reestablish fishing in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off New England. He has consistently targeted marine protections established during the Obama and Bush administrations, arguing they hinder the nation's competitiveness in the global seafood market.

Environmental groups have voiced criticism of Trump's decisions, expressing concern that allowing fishing in these protected zones jeopardizes vital habitats for rare marine life.

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Trump has targeted marine protections created in the era of Presidents Obama and Bush that he said stifle the country's ability to compete in the global seafood marketplace.