Trump Administration Moves to Undo Science-Based Ocean Management and Protections
Press Release Date: April 17, 2025
Location: WASHINGTON
Contact:
Erin Vande Ven, Megan Jordan | email: EVandeVen@oceana.org, mjordan@oceana.org | tel: 303.829.3877, 202.868.4061
President Trump issued two executive orders today to weaken fisheries management, including opening the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.
Oceana Vice President for the United States, Beth Lowell, released the following statement in response:
“These executive orders don’t loosen red tape — they unravel the very safety net that protects our oceans, our economy, and our seafood dinners. For decades, the U.S. science-based approach to fisheries management has rebuilt declining stocks, kept American fishers on the water, and protected important places and wildlife.
Marine monuments complement healthy fisheries and give a place for commercial fish to breed, feed, and grow. To ‘unleash’ commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument puts even greater pressure on endangered sea turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, whales and other incredible marine life. These executive orders turn back the progress that have made U.S. fisheries some of the best managed in the world and only hurt American fishers and businesses.”