President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Friday opening nearly 5,000 square miles of protected Atlantic waters to commercial fishing, reversing Obama-era restrictions off New England’s coast.
The move restores fishing access to the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, according to a White House announcement.
The decision directly benefits New England’s fishing communities, particularly the longline and Maine lobster industries.
The monument, established by President Obama in 2016, had banned commercial fishing within its 4,913 square miles. Trump previously lifted these restrictions during his first term, only to see President Biden reinstate them in 2021.
The White House argued that fishing prohibitions are unnecessary for protecting the area. Many fish species are migratory and already protected under existing laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, officials said.
This latest action follows Trump’s recent moves to expand commercial fishing opportunities nationwide. Since returning to the office, he has opened the Pacific waters to U.S.-flagged vessels and signed orders reducing regulatory burdens on the seafood industry.
Trump has also implemented tariffs to protect domestic fishermen from foreign competition. Additionally, he halted offshore wind projects, citing concerns about their impact on the fishing industry.
The proclamation is part of the administration’s “America First Fishing Policy.” This approach prioritizes economic growth and job creation in coastal regions over conservation measures.
