Trump Reopens Atlantic Marine National Monument to Commercial Fishing, Rekindling Legal and Environmental Debate

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation reopening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing, reversing federal protections that had restricted industrial activity across nearly 5,000 square miles of Atlantic Ocean waters east of Cape Cod.

The move overturns conservation measures put in place under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, marking a renewed push by the Trump administration to expand access for the U.S. fishing industry. The White House said the decision aligns with a broader executive order issued earlier this year aimed at strengthening domestic fisheries, preserving coastal jobs, and easing pressure on overfished grounds elsewhere along the East Coast.

Created in 2016, the monument is the only fully protected marine national monument in the Atlantic. It encompasses deep-sea canyons and ancient undersea mountains that scientists describe as a biodiversity hotspot, home to cold-water corals, endangered whales, sea turtles, and migratory fish species.

Commercial fishing groups welcomed the announcement. Industry representatives said reopening the area could benefit fisheries such as swordfish and squid, while redistributing fishing effort away from heavily exploited zones closer to shore. “This gives fishermen breathing room and restores access that was unjustly taken away,” one industry official said.

Environmental organizations reacted swiftly, warning that the proclamation would likely trigger new legal challenges. Conservation groups including the Conservation Law Foundation argue that allowing industrial fishing gear into the monument risks irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems. Scientists have also cautioned that deep-sea habitats recover extremely slowly from physical disturbance.

The legal landscape remains uncertain. A federal judge had previously blocked commercial fishing in the monument in August, citing environmental protections. Opponents of the proclamation say they expect the courts to once again determine whether the executive action can override existing safeguards.

The decision reopens a long-running political and legal battle over how the United States balances marine conservation with economic interests. With both sides preparing for court, the future of one of the Atlantic’s most ecologically significant regions remains unresolved.

FAQs

What is the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument?
It is a federally protected marine area created in 2016, covering nearly 5,000 square miles of deep Atlantic waters east of Cape Cod.

Why did Trump reopen it to commercial fishing?
The administration says the move supports fishing jobs, expands access to productive waters, and reduces pressure on other fishing grounds.

Who supports the decision?
Commercial fishing groups and some coastal communities back the reopening, citing economic benefits and industry sustainability.

Why are environmental groups opposed?
Conservationists argue the area is a biodiversity hotspot and warn that industrial fishing could harm endangered species and fragile deep-sea ecosystems.

Will the decision face legal challenges?
Yes. Environmental groups have indicated they will challenge the proclamation in court, continuing a legal dispute that has lasted for years.

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