Trump attempts to allow commercial fishing in protected Pacific Ocean marine zone

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that would allow commercial fishing in several Pacific Ocean marine monuments, a move environmentalists say would threaten critical habitat for endangered and threatened species within and around the protected zones. The proclamation would open to commercial fishing the Mau and Ho'omalu Zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monument. Earthjustice vowed to take legal action in response, arguing that protected waters serve as safe havens that support biodiversity and fisheries. The Center for Biological Diversity and Kāpaʻa also voiced opposition, saying the move ignores science and local stewardship; Earthjustice has said it will sue on behalf of Hawai'i groups. A federal district court in August 2025 struck down the resumption of commercial fishing in the monument, highlighting the legal challenges such actions face and providing ammunition for opponents. Supporters argue the move would expand opportunities for U.S. fisheries, while critics warn of irreversible damage to the ocean's biodiverse regions.