President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at bolstering the U.S. commercial fishing industry, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from various groups. While commercial fishing organizations have praised the order, environmental groups have expressed concern, fearing that reducing regulations could further diminish fish populations in already affected ocean areas.
The order signifies a notable policy shift, prioritizing commercial fishing interests over previous efforts to allow fish populations to recover. President Trump emphasized the importance of the U.S. becoming a world leader in seafood production, highlighting the nation’s seafood trade deficit exceeding $20 billion. He described the decision as straightforward, asserting it would benefit the commercial fishing sector by easing regulations and permitting harvesting in previously protected areas.
Environmental organizations have underscored the significance of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, a nearly 50-year-old framework that has guided U.S. fishery management and aimed to combat overfishing. Concerns have been raised that the number of fish stocks on the federal overfished list, which increased from 40 in 2013 to 47 in 2023, could rise further with the relaxation of regulations.
The fishing industry, including some stakeholders in the Northeast and on the West Coast, has faced challenges due to environmental changes and overfishing, impacting species such as Maine shrimp, Atlantic cod, and certain types of salmon. Despite these challenges, some industry representatives see potential benefits in the executive order. The National Fisheries Institute lauded the order as a “thoughtful, strategic approach,” with potential to revitalize the industry by reducing regulatory burdens and promoting the health benefits of consuming seafood.
On the same day as the executive order, President Trump issued a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, an area established in 2009 by President George W. Bush. This decision faced criticism from environmental groups concerned about threats to the pristine marine environment from climate change and ocean acidification.
The Trump administration argues that excessive regulations and competition with wind power companies have hindered the fishing industry. The executive order tasks Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with identifying overregulated fisheries and taking action to reduce their regulatory burdens. Additionally, the order calls for the development of a comprehensive seafood trade strategy and a review of marine monuments to assess potential openings for commercial fishing.
