On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that reopens a significant portion of the Atlantic Ocean to commercial fishing, specifically targeting the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.
This area, nearly 5,000 square miles off the New England coast, was designated by former President Barack Obama to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems. Trump previously rolled back these protections in 2020, a move later reversed by President Joe Biden.
In his latest directive, Trump aims to bolster U.S. fishing interests while dismantling existing conservation measures. Earlier this year, he issued a broader order aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on fishermen, signaling a clear shift in policy.
Criticism of the marine monument has been a consistent theme for Trump, who argues that it imposes unfair restrictions on commercial fishermen. He stated in the executive order that he believes “appropriately managed commercial fishing would not put the objects of historic and scientific interest that the monument protects at risk.”
In May, Trump hinted at this decision, with the White House asserting that it would “support the vital Maine lobster industry by ensuring unfettered access to the coastal waters of the United States.” Notably, while he emphasizes support for Maine fishermen, the protected area lies southeast of Cape Cod.
Commercial fishing advocates have long pushed for the reopening of this area and expressed their approval following Trump's announcement. Bob Vanasse, executive director of Saving Seafood, remarked, “By reopening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts to commercial fishing, fairness, transparency, and science-based governance has been restored to the affected fisheries.”
Conversely, environmental organizations have condemned this decision. Some groups have pledged to challenge it legally. Gib Brogan, fisheries campaign director at Oceana, stated, “The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was created to provide strong protections for the wide range of marine life that live in these unique habitats.”
Additionally, environmentalists are contesting another executive order from Trump that they argue undermines protections for the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument off Hawaii. This larger marine monument was established by President George W. Bush in 2009 and expanded under Obama.
