In a proclamation dated April 17, 2025, President Donald J. Trump authorized commercial fishing in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), which had previously been off-limits to such activity. The decision was made after determining that appropriate management would not harm the historical and scientific interest objects within the monument. The move aims to support American fishing fleets by reopening areas within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, while continuing to protect the marine environment through existing laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Only U.S. flagged vessels will be permitted to fish, with foreign vessels allowed solely for transshipment purposes.
Simple Explanation
In April 2025, President Trump said American fishing boats can fish in a special part of the Pacific Ocean where they couldn't before. They will have to follow certain rules to keep the ocean safe, but only American boats can catch fish there, while boats from other countries can only help move the fish.