Fact Sheets

# Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Unleashes Commercial Fishing in the Atlantic

The White House
February 6, 2026

UNLEASHING OPPORTUNITY IN THE ATLANTIC: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation to unleash commercial fishing in the Atlantic, advancing the America First Fishing Policy.

- The proclamation restores commercial fishing access to all 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, located off the coast of New England.

EMPOWERING AMERICAN COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN: President Trump is committed to removing unnecessary restrictions on American fishermen in order to strengthen the U.S. economy, support coastal communities, and restore fairness to an industry disadvantaged by overregulation and unfair foreign competition.

- The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, established by President Obama in 2016, prohibited commercial fishing within its boundaries.
- In his first term, President Trump lifted these restrictions to unlock economic opportunities for American fishermen.
- In 2021, President Biden reinstated the Obama-era prohibitions on commercial fishing within the Monument.
- Prohibiting commercial fishing is not necessary for the proper care and management of the Monument, as many fish species are highly migratory, not unique to the area, and are already protected through existing laws, such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
- By revoking the Obama-Biden restrictions, President Trump’s proclamation supports New England’s fishing communities, in turn fostering economic growth and job creation in coastal regions.
- This proclamation will support the vital longline fishing and Maine lobster industries by ensuring unfettered access to the coastal waters of the United States.

ADVANCING THE AMERICA FIRST FISHING POLICY: This proclamation builds on President Trump’s commitment to revitalizing the U.S. fishing industry. Since returning to office, President Trump has:

- Signed a Proclamation to unleash commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean, opening the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to U.S.-flagged vessels.
- Signed an Executive Order to restore American seafood competitiveness by reducing regulatory burdens, combating unfair foreign trade practices, and enhancing domestic seafood production and exports.
- Implemented tariffs to protect America’s fishing industry—praised as a lifeline for the shrimping industry.
- Signed an Executive Order halting offshore wind projects to preserve a robust U.S. fishing industry for future generations.

## Related

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- #### Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores American Seafood Competitiveness

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