Trump Reopens Protected Pacific Marine Monument Waters to Commercial Fishing

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation reopening portions of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, reversing restrictions that had limited activity in protected waters near Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa. The administration said the move restores access to nearly 500,000 square miles of ocean and is intended to boost U.S. seafood competitiveness and expand economic opportunities for commercial fishermen.

• Trump lifted commercial fishing restrictions within portions of the Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments.
• The three marine monuments were originally established under President George W. Bush, with the Hawaii monument later expanded by Presidents Obama and Biden.
• The administration said the action reopens nearly 500,000 square miles of Pacific waters to commercial fishing.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the policy aims to strengthen U.S. seafood competitiveness and support coastal economies.
• Commercial fishing groups have argued monument restrictions pushed U.S. vessels into more competitive international waters.
• Fishermen attending the signing ceremony also urged expanded access to scallop fishing grounds near Massachusetts.

Relevant Companies

• The Andersons ($ANDE) - The company has seafood and agricultural commodity exposure that could benefit from increased domestic fishing activity.
• Sysco ($SYY) - Expanded U.S. seafood supply could affect sourcing and distribution volumes for foodservice customers.
• None found

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.