Trump EOs aim to boost US fishing by easing rules, opening marine reserves
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Apr 18, 2025
Trump's new executive orders aim to boost U.S. fishing by easing regulations and opening marine reserves, amid pushback from activist groups.
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One of the world's largest ocean reserves is now being open to commercial fishing for the first time in over a decade
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The result of a new executive order signed by President Trump Thursday
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The Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, located roughly 750 miles west of Hawaii
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spans nearly 500,000 square miles and is home to a vast collection of wildlife
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including endangered species such as sea turtles and whales. Trump says the move to allow fishing operations in this area is intended to support U.S. seafood production
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and benefit the economies of American Pacific territories. The president also cited data which found nearly 90 percent of U.S. seafood comes from imports
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with the nation's trade deficit in this sector currently standing at $20 billion
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A second executive order signed by Trump directs federal agencies to reduce regulations
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on the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries, as well as review all the nation's other marine monuments for potential changes to access
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American Samoa's delegate to the House of Representatives asserts this measure restores economic opportunity to Pacific Island communities that depend heavily on fishing
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calling it, quote, fantastic news for U.S. food security. The Trump administration maintains existing environmental laws
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such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, will continue to safeguard the area
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However, environmental organizations have raised concerns about the potential ecological impact. Because the marine monument is known for its rich biodiversity
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critics warn that industrial fishing could threaten its fragile ecosystems. The Center for Biological Diversity called the decision, quote
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a gift to industrial fishing fleets and a slap in the face to science
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Activists with Earthjustice have questioned the legality of the executive orders from Trump
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and said they would do everything in their power to protect this marine reserve
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Jack Elmer
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