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 National Monument near Hawaii, the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in the South Pacific, the White House said.
Trump said federal laws already provide comprehensive management and conservation protections for marine ecosystems and species.
“Hundreds of thousands of square miles of ocean were cut off for them. They can't fish,” he said during the signing of the order. “Other people could fish. They couldn't. These people weren't allowed to fish. Can you imagine that? Did you ever think that was going to happen as you grew up? … That someday they were going to take away the right for you to go fishing in the Pacific Ocean. What a bunch of dopes.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) applauded Trump’s actions.
NOAA said previous prohibitions on commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean forced American commercial fishermen further offshore into international waters where they had to compete against “poorly regulated foreign fishing fleets.”
“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,” Neil Jacobs, NOAA administrator, said in a statement. “This historic action will lead to more U.S.-caught fish on American tables.”
Trump has taken a series of actions aimed at expanding U.S. commercial fishing opportunities and boosting domestic seafood production.
In April 2025, he signed an executive order focused on reducing regulations, countering unfair foreign trade practices, increasing seafood exports, and creating an America First Seafood Strategy. He also reopened commercial fishing access within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.
In February 2026, Trump expanded that effort by reopening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument in the Atlantic Ocean to commercial fishing.
Earthjustice, an environmental nonprofit, said it would take legal action against the Trump administration. It said the order threatens critical species’ habitat 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,” David Henkin, deputy managing attorney with Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific Office, said in a statement. “Without fishing in the monuments, U.S.-based fisheries hit their catch limits for tuna every year. Science-backed management for the benefit of current and future generations requires protected marine areas. Safe havens allow marine life to maintain healthy populations and prevent corporate greed from stripping the ocean of life. We’ll see the administration in Court.”