national
Trump Administration Moves to Open U.S. Pacific Marine Monuments to Commercial Fishing
Just the facts
The regulatory process follows a presidential proclamation permitting commercial fishing in deep waters located beyond 57 miles from shore within federal Pacific marine conservation areas. The affected ocean areas include the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, which together safeguard over one million square miles of ocean habitat. Commercial fishing advocates from Hawaii supported the rule changes to expand longline tuna fishing opportunities against foreign competition. Native Hawaiian cultural leaders and environmental conservation organizations expressed strong opposition to the rollbacks and announced plans to challenge the decision in federal court.
Why this is news
The Trump administration initiated regulatory steps through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to open protected Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.