Pacific Marine National Monuments - Opened to Commercial Fishing

Founding:  During his presidency, George W. Bush created four marine national monuments in the Pacific: Papahānaumokuākea, Pacific Islands Heritage, Mariana Trench and Rose Atoll. 

Executive Order:  On April 17, Donald Trump issued an Executive Order to open Pacific Islands Heritage National Monument to commercial fishing. 

Legal Victory:  On May 22, Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging the administration's actions. On August 8, a federal judge issued a decision that blocks fishing in the national monument as legal proceedings continue. 

Expanded Push:  In September, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council — a NOAA advisory council — voted to recommend that NOAA  allow commercial fishing inside the four National Monuments referenced previously. While this is just an advisory act, it's a key step towards a new rulemaking process by NOAA which could begin as soon as early 2026.

Public Comments:  In a parallel move, the administration has opened a public comment period for potential changes to fishing regulations. You can submit your comments opposing opening marine national monuments to fishing. The public comment period closes October 14. 

Size and Scale:  The Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument covers 490,343 square miles of ocean and five uninhabited island or atoll complexes.

Ecological Significance:  It protects fish populations, coral reefs, and deep-sea life found nowhere else on earth. It also protects endangered and threatened wildlife, including sharks, rays, seabirds, blue whales, and the leatherback sea turtle.

Organization To Support:  The Pacific Island Heritage Coalition is a diverse coalition of cultural practitioners, scientists, and nonprofit organizations. It has been the most active group in organizing public support for these monuments.