HONOLULU (Island News) – President Trump signed an executive proclamation on Thursday, opening additional Pacific fishing grounds to American commercial fishermen and U.S.-flagged vessels.
The proclamation, titled “Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific,” aims to create economic opportunities for commercial fishermen and strengthen coastal communities. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the action came as a direct result of feedback from the U.S. fishing industry.
“By restoring commercial fishing in the remote Pacific, we are creating new economic opportunity for coastal communities and restoring U.S. seafood competitiveness,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
According to NOAA, previous prohibitions on commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean forced American commercial fishermen further offshore into international waters to compete against poorly regulated foreign fishing fleets. Restoring access to these fishing grounds within the U.S. exclusive economic zone will give American fishermen closer access to tuna and other pelagic species.
“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,” NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said.
The expanded fishing grounds include the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, the Mau Zone and the Ho’omalu Zone and areas within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and waters between surrounding Rose Atoll within the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
According to NOAA, the proclamation recognizes the effectiveness of U.S. fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which commemorates 50 years of science-based fisheries management this year.
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