Trump administration's new priorities put profits ahead of marine conservation

NOAA has directed the nation’s regional fisheries councils to dismantle marine conservation restrictions, a move critics say shifts priorities toward profitability and away from science. In letters produced to support President Donald Trump’s April 2025 “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness” executive order, the Department of Commerce urges reassessments of marine protected areas, possible removals of species from conservation lists, and changes to gear and management rules. The nine letters—sent to eight councils and one division for migratory species—reflect calls to consider removing species that no longer require conservation. Examples cited include relaxing sardine definitions, changing Caribbean lobster and conch management, and allowing certain gear for migratory bluefin tuna under 73 inches.