Conservation groups are raising serious concerns following Donald Trump’s recent decision to roll back fishing regulations within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a federally protected zone spanning nearly 500,000 square miles in the central Pacific Ocean. This move places one of the world’s most pristine tropical marine environments at significant risk, potentially triggering widespread environmental damage.
The monument, established by George W. Bush in 2009 and expanded by Barack Obama in 2014, encompasses seven federally protected islands and atolls, as well as 165 seamounts – underwater mountains known for their rich biodiversity. This region is home to numerous threatened, endangered, and depleted species, including 22 seabird varieties, green and hawksbill turtles, giant clams, bumphead parrotfish, dolphins, and whales. It also safeguards delicate ecosystems surrounding some of the planet’s oldest coral colonies, including Kingman Reef, the most undisturbed coral reef within U.S. territory. According to Unesco, Kingman Reef boasts the highest concentration of apex predators of any studied coral reef ecosystem, supporting various shark species like grey reef sharks, oceanic white tips, hammerheads, and silky sharks, all crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Trump’s proclamation, heavily lobbied for by American Samoan tuna interests, permits U.S.-flagged vessels to engage in commercial fishing within 50 to 200 nautical miles of the monument’s boundaries. This decision coincides with the worst global coral bleaching event on record, affecting over 80% of the world’s coral reefs. The proclamation also directs the commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, to “amend or repeal all burdensome regulations that restrict commercial fishing” in the area, aligning with Trump’s ambition to position the U.S. as the “world’s dominant seafood leader.” Trump dismissed existing regulations as “horrible and stupid,” claiming they force American fishers to travel excessively to less productive fishing grounds.
David Henkin, an attorney with Earthjustice, refuted Trump’s claims, stating that the remote Pacific islands are far from Hawaii and require extensive travel to reach. A 2023 study indicated that the U.S. purse-seine fleet spent only 0.52% of their fishing efforts within the two areas currently open to commercial fishing in the monument over the past five years. David McGuire, founder of Shark Stewards, echoed Henkin’s sentiments, asserting that fishermen do not typically travel the vast distances Trump suggested.
Experts also pointed to Trump’s mass firings at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and his efforts to shift federal scientific agencies toward a “non-science trajectory,” raising concerns about the future of scientific oversight and management of the monument.
Another significant concern is the potential increase in illegal fishing and bycatch. Research shows that illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) accounts for one in every five wild-caught fish. Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace’s U.S. project lead on ocean sanctuaries, warned that legal commercial fishing provides cover for illegal activities. Additionally, despite their vital role in ecosystems, over 100 million sharks are killed annually as bycatch and through shark finning.
Douglas McCauley, a marine biology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, emphasized the profound impact on shark conservation. He explained that opening the monument to commercial fishing could rapidly undo decades of conservation efforts, as shark populations are slow to recover. The proclamation also poses risks to sea turtles, with six of the seven global species classified as threatened or endangered.
Solomon Kaho’ohalahala, a Hawaiian elder and leader with the Pacific Island Heritage Coalition, highlighted the interconnectedness of the islands and the broader ocean, arguing that dividing the region into separate areas is detrimental to overall preservation.
Environmental experts warn that Trump’s decision will ultimately harm American fishers, leading to higher seafood prices for consumers. Research has consistently shown the spillover benefits of large marine protected areas, including increased catch rates outside those zones. Hemphill argued that the administration’s “let’s become the greatest seafood producer” mentality will lead to over-exploitation and population collapse, resulting in long-term catch reductions.
Kaho’ohalahala described the decision as short-sighted, disregarding the needs of current and future Pacific Islanders who rely on a healthy ocean. Marine experts urged the public to recognize the ecological and cultural significance of marine regulated areas, comparing them to national parks like Yellowstone.
Image/Source: theguardian
