CNMI, American Samoa thrilled by restoration of commercial fishing in Pacific marine monuments

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan

Leaders of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa welcomed President Trump's move to restore commercial fishing in federally protected Pacific waters amid a threat of legal action from an environmental group.

David Apatang

"For generations, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands have relied on the ocean for sustenance, culture and economic opportunity," CNMI Gov. David Apatang said.

The governor issued the statement on the heels of Trump's June 11 proclamation that reopened portions of the marine national monuments, lifting a 17-year-old ban that conservationists pushed and fishing communities fought

The presidential directive reinstates commercial fishing in the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, as well as the Mau and Ho‘omalu zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.

Pula Nikolao Pula

 "This proclamation acknowledges the importance of America's Pacific territories and supports opportunities for responsible fisheries development while maintaining strong conservation standards," Apatang said.

He said the CNMI shares a common interest with other U.S. Pacific jurisdictions in supporting local fisheries, exploring economic opportunities and enhancing food security "through the responsible use of marine resources."

American Samoa Gov. Pula Nikolao Pula said the reopening of access to fishing waters is a win for the territory's main industry.

"American Samoa regained a stronger voice in the management of fishing grounds that directly affect our economy, our fleet, and our future as a U.S. Pacific fishing community," he said.

The Mariana Trench, Rose Atoll and Heritage Marine National Monuments were established in 2009 by President George W. Bush.

In 2017, President Barack Obama expanded the monuments to safeguard the coral reefs and deep-sea habitats. The protected areas totaled about 1.5 million square miles.

Due to the fishing restrictions, Pula said, American Samoa's longline fleet had been pushed offshore into international waters, consuming more fuel and spending more days at sea to harvest highly migratory tuna, the backbone of American Samoa's economy.

"Decisions about our ocean should be made with us, not handed down from afar," Pula said.

Trump's new proclamation advances his twin executive orders, "Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness" and "Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific," both issued on April 17, 2025.

According to the White House, the policy aims to enhance U.S. domestic seafood production, lower seafood prices, support American jobs and promote food security and national security.

"This action strengthens what tuna sustains: our cannery, our workforce, our families, and the last major American tuna processing hub in the Pacific," Pula said.

Earthjustice is not pleased with Trump's action, despite assurance from the White House that the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, which oversees the monuments, has developed comprehensive plans for sustainable fishing with adequate protections designed for fragile marine ecosystems.

David Henkin, deputy managing attorney with Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific Office, warned that commercial fishing in marine monuments would result in environmental disaster without real benefits to the fishing industry.

“Without fishing in the monuments, U.S.-based fisheries hit their catch limits for tuna every year," Henkin said, vowing to challenge the new fishing policy in court.

"Science-backed management for the benefit of current and future generations requires protected marine areas. Safe havens allow marine life to maintain healthy populations and prevent corporate greed from stripping the ocean of life. We’ll see the administration in court," he added.

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Rep. Amata Radewagen, American Samoa's delegate to the U.S. Congress, had persistently advocated for the resumption of commercial activity in the Marianas Trench and Heritage monuments.

However, she cautioned that Rose Atoll should remain off-limits, citing its "special significance."

“With our heads we can welcome good news for our economy, while our hearts treasure Rose Atoll and stand with our people in Manu’a,” Radewagen said in a statement.

In general, she added, the proclamation strengthens U.S. food security, reduces U.S. need for imported fish and protects U.S. waters.

"When it comes to Rose Atoll, that’s an exception and we rely on our hearts and culture," Radewagen said.

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