The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has welcomed a proclamation by US President Donald Trump restoring commercial fishing access to parts of the Pacific Ocean, describing the move as a significant step towards strengthening fisheries management and supporting regional fishing communities.
The proclamation, titled Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific, was signed on June 11 and seeks to return fisheries management decisions in certain monument waters to the regional council process under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Trump said the action would help reduce seafood costs and create new economic opportunities for the fishing industry.
"It’s my honour to be taking this action to lower seafood costs and generate millions and millions of dollars in new business for our great fishermen by restoring commercial access to three areas of the western Pacific Ocean," he said.
Council members viewed the White House signing ceremony during a meeting in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds said the organisation welcomed the return of fisheries management authority to the regional council framework.
"We are pleased that under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the management of fishing in monument waters is returning to the fishery councils," Simonds said.
"The Council is committed to continue working together with our fishing communities in American Samoa, Hawai'i and the Northern Mariana Islands to discuss and develop fishery management plans in these areas."
Council Chairman Nathan Ilaoa said the decision was particularly important for American Samoa, where restrictions around Rose Atoll have limited access to key fishing grounds since 2009.
"Today's proclamation is a significant and welcome development for American Samoa," Ilaoa said.
"As American Samoa invests in a new generation of longer-range fishing vessels, restoring access to these areas will help ensure that local fishermen are able to fully benefit from those investments and continue contributing to our economy and food security."
At its March 2026 meeting, the council recommended restoring commercial fishing access from 12 to 50 nautical miles around Muliāva (Rose Atoll) and from zero to 50 nautical miles in the Marianas Trench Islands Unit.
Under the proclamation, longline fishing remains prohibited within zero to 50 nautical miles of Papahānaumokuākea, while bottomfish and other fisheries remain restricted within three nautical miles of the area.
The council said fisheries management within the US exclusive economic zone should continue to be guided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which provides opportunities for public consultation and ensures decisions are based on scientific evidence and the needs of affected communities.
The proclamation follows a federal review ordered under Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which examined commercial fishing opportunities within marine national monuments and assessed the impact of fishing restrictions on domestic seafood production and coastal communities.
The council noted that additional federal approvals and coordination with other regulatory authorities may still be required before commercial fishing activities can resume in some areas.
Industry stakeholders across the Pacific are expected to closely monitor the implementation of the proclamation and its potential implications for fisheries management, food security and economic development in the region.
