President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday to reinstate commercial fishing in protected Atlantic waters, reversing restrictions put in place during the Obama administration. He called the move “another BIG WIN for Maine, and all of New England.”
“Hard to believe you vote for Democrats who did this to you, but not for ‘TRUMP,’ who gets you out of this Environmental and Economic Malaise,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “VOTE REPUBLICAN FROM NOW ON!” he added.
In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris won Massachusetts with 61.3 percent of the vote, while Trump received 36.5 percent.
Why It Matters
The proclamation comes as the Trump administration continues a broader effort to roll back domestic environmental regulations and reduce U.S. involvement in international groups focused on climate change.
Friday’s decision opens the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument—located about 130 miles off the coast of Cape Cod—to commercial fishing. It is the only marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean.
The monument spans roughly 4,913 square miles—about the size of Connecticut—and includes habitat for endangered whales and vulnerable deep-sea corals, among other marine life. Former President Barack Obama designated the area as a protected monument in 2016, and it has remained protected for about a decade.
The move aligns with earlier actions by Trump. In April of last year, he reopened the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument—protected since 2009—to commercial fishing.
What To Know
The White House described the proclamation as a step to “unleash commercial fishing” in the Atlantic and advance an America First Fishing Policy aimed at boosting U.S. seafood production by cutting regulations and countering what it calls unfair foreign competition.
“Since Day One, I have taken historic action to END these disastrous policies and, today, I signed a Presidential Proclamation to UNLEASH Commercial Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, advancing the America First Fishing Policy,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I am restoring nearly 5,000 square miles of Fishing access off the Coast of New England, which will revitalize our Fishing Industry, and STRENGTHEN our Booming Economy. Congratulations to all of our Great Fishermen.”
All 4,913 square miles that make up the monument will be opened to commercial fishing. The site is home to at least 10 dolphin species and 13 whale species, along with sea turtles and seabirds, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The area is managed jointly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Environmental groups have warned the change could threaten fragile ecosystems, while fishing industry organizations have praised the proclamation.
What People Are Saying
Brad Sewell, managing director of oceans at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement reported by The New York Times: “Northeast Canyons and Seamounts is a truly special place: a living scientific laboratory, a refuge for creatures as varied as cold-water corals and sperm whales. Trump’s move to dismantle those protections is unlawful, and we’re confident that it won’t stand.”
Jessica Redfern, of the aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, said in a statement reported by AFP: “This Monument supports amazing species from the seafloor to the sea surface, and we see evidence of that during every aerial survey. Removing protections for Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument puts these species at risk.”
Bob Vanasse, executive director of the industry group Saving Seafood, said in a statement reported by The New York Times: “America’s commercial fishermen are among the world’s most responsible ocean stewards. Their work is tightly regulated, environmentally conscious and vital to the economies and food security of coastal communities.”
Trump added on Truth Social: “For far too long, the Radical Left has put Burdensome and Unnecessary Restrictions on EVERYTHING, including our Great American Fishermen. In my First Term, I reversed the prohibitions placed on Commercial Fishing, but Joe Biden, or whoever was using the AUTOPEN, foolishly reinstated them.”
He also urged voters in New England to support Republicans in upcoming elections: “Please remember I did this for you, against strong Democrat opposition, and VOTE REPUBLICAN IN THE MIDTERMS!”
In January, the White House issued a memorandum explaining the administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from certain international organizations focused on climate action. The memo said: “These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over US priorities.”
It added: “Many of these bodies promote radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs that conflict with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength. […] By exiting these entities, President Trump is saving taxpayer money and refocusing resources on America First priorities.”
What Happens Next
Trump suggested the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument will be reopened to commercial fishing in May.
