President Trump issued an executive order on June 11, 2026, titled “Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific,” which allows commercial fishing vessels flying the American flag to access previously restricted fishing areas. The presidential directive creates new financial opportunities for commercial fishing operations and aims to bolster the economic stability of communities along the coast.
NOAA expressed support for the Administration’s commitment to enhance U.S. seafood competitiveness through the America First Fishing Policy. The President’s order resulted directly from input provided by the U.S. fishing industry, and officials say the measure will expand economic prospects for American fishing operations.
“President Trump is once again delivering for American fishermen by opening prized Pacific fishing grounds with this Executive Proclamation,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “By restoring commercial fishing in the remote Pacific, we are creating new economic opportunity for coastal communities and restoring U.S. seafood competitiveness.”
Earlier restrictions on commercial fishing in Pacific waters pushed American fishing vessels farther into international territory, where they faced competition from inadequately regulated foreign fishing operations. Reopening access to these productive fishing areas within the U.S. exclusive economic zone will provide hardworking American fishermen with closer proximity to tuna and other open-ocean species.
“Restoring commercial fishing access to these vital areas reflects the continued commitment of this Administration to American fisheries, which are built on the foundation of rigorous science, robust monitoring, strong enforcement, and the daily commitment of our dedicated fishermen,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator. “This historic action will lead to more U.S.-caught fish on American tables.”
The order acknowledges the success and reliability of U.S. fisheries oversight under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This year marks the Act’s 50th anniversary of continued science-based fisheries management. American fishing professionals serve as responsible caretakers of ocean resources, working to maintain the long-term sustainability of fish populations and marine environments while providing a healthy, sustainable food source for Americans.
The newly accessible fishing areas for American fishermen in the Pacific include:
• The Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument
• The Mau Zone and Ho’omalu Zone and areas seaward of 50 nautical miles within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
• Waters between 12 and 50 nautical miles surrounding Rose Atoll within the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument
This announcement is part of multiple initiatives undertaken by the Trump Administration to support commercial fisheries in a continuing effort to restore America’s seafood competitiveness. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and its partners will maintain a balance between responsible stewardship of the Pacific Islands marine national monuments ecosystems and the involvement of commercial fisheries, including coordination with regional fishery management councils.
