Trump Administration Opens Three Protected Pacific National Monuments to Commercial Fishing
Press Release Date: June 11, 2026
Location: WASHINGTON
Contact:
Jamie Karnik | email: jkarnik@oceana.org | tel: 907-635-8722
Today, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to allow commercial fishing in three marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean – Papahānaumokuākea, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
Marine national monuments are established in areas with pristine ocean ecosystems and abundant fish and other wildlife with the intention of protecting them from harm.
Oceana Fisheries Campaign Director, Ben Enticknap, released the following statement:
“These monuments were not created on a whim – they exist because standard fisheries management was not enough to protect the health of these spectacular and vital ocean regions. Today’s proclamation risks years of progress in preserving important ocean habitats and wildlife while keeping vast areas outside of the monuments open to American fishers.
“Marine monuments are investments in healthy oceans by serving as places for fish and wildlife to breed, feed, and grow. They are globally recognized as significant places for endangered sea turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, whales, and other incredible marine life found nowhere else on the planet. This proclamation gambles with some of our most irreplaceable ocean ecosystems for short-term gain.”


