WASHINGTON, DC (RFD News) — President Donald Trump is reopening commercial fishing access in parts of three Pacific marine national monuments, creating new opportunities for U.S. fishermen and seafood supply chains. The White House says the proclamation covers nearly half a million square miles.
The action applies to the Mau and Ho‘omalu Zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
The administration says the change supports domestic seafood production, coastal jobs, processors, maritime businesses, and national food security. NOAA says fishing will remain subject to federal fishery management and environmental protections.
For producers and coastal communities, the policy aims to reduce reliance on imported seafood and improve access for U.S.-flagged fishing vessels. Supporters say the move could help family fishing operations and related port economies.
The policy may still face legal and environmental scrutiny, because earlier monument-access actions drew court challenges. The next step will be how NOAA implements fishing rules in the reopened areas.
