In a move that aims to bolster the U.S. commercial fishing sector, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While commercial fishing groups lauded the decision, environmental organizations expressed concerns over the potential ecological impacts.
This executive order marks a significant pivot in federal policy, prioritizing the interests of commercial fisheries at the expense of long-standing conservation efforts. Trump’s administration argues this shift is essential for revitalizing the fishing industry, suggesting that easing regulations and accessing previously restricted areas is necessary.
Trump emphasized the importance of the United States becoming a global leader in seafood production, motivated by the current seafood trade deficit exceeding $20 billion. However, environmentalists argue that existing legislation, like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, has been vital in sustainable management and preventing overfishing for decades.
Citing an increase in the number of fish stocks classified as overfished—rising from 40 to 47 over the past decade—conservationists warn that this trend could accelerate under the new directive. Beth Lowell of Oceana criticized the order, highlighting that America’s scientific approach to fisheries management has helped rebuild depleted stocks while supporting fishermen and protecting marine environments.
Certain segments of the fishing industry, particularly those affected by environmental changes and historical overfishing, view the executive order as promising. For example, industries in the Northeast and on the West Coast have faced setbacks with the decline of species like Maine shrimp and Atlantic cod. In contrast, the federal government has made progress, such as the removal of certain bluefish stocks from the overfished list.
Lisa Wallenda Picard from the National Fisheries Institute praised the order as a “strategic approach” poised to support America’s fishermen by reducing regulatory burdens and highlighting seafood’s benefits as a nutritious dietary component.
Coinciding with the executive order, Trump also permitted commercial fishing within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a protected area established in 2009 by President George W. Bush. This move has raised further concerns among environmental groups who fear it endangers a critical and pristine marine environment.
David Henkin of Earthjustice underscored the threat posed by climate change and ocean acidification to these ecosystems, vowing to protect them from potentially detrimental policy changes.
In contrast, the Trump administration contends that current regulations, coupled with unfair trade practices, have impeded the growth of one of America’s oldest industries. The executive order tasked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with identifying overly regulated fisheries and suggesting reforms to boost domestic fishing.
The order also mandates creating a comprehensive seafood trade strategy and reviewing marine monuments for their suitability for commercial fishing, reinforcing the administration’s agenda to open more areas for economic exploitation.