POTUS Signs a Proclamation For Fishermen

According to NOAA, on June 11, 2026, President Trump signed an "Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific"[2]. The White House fact sheet says it covers parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.[1]The proclamation text states that "Only United States flagged vessels shall be allowed to fish commercially within the boundaries of these monuments"[3].The Senate Democrats' transcript of the Oval Office event records Trump saying the action would "lower seafood costs and generate millions and millions of dollars in new business"[4] for fishermen.Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, according to NOAA, that Trump is "once again delivering for American fishermen by opening prized Pacific fishing grounds"[2].Earthjustice said the order "threatens critical species' habitat within and around the monument"[5] and vowed to take legal action[5].Grist reports that American Samoa congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is concerned about how fishing around Rose Atoll could also infringe on Indigenous rights.[6] Kimberlyn King-Hinds said in a release that "the people who live closest to these waters should have a meaningful voice"[7] in how they are managed.PBS reports that Trump moved to reestablish fishing in Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off New England in February.[8]