WATCH: Trump signs proclamation opening more protected ocean areas to commercial fishing

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-signs-proclamation-opening-more-protected-ocean-areas-to-commercial-fishing Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump signs proclamation opening more protected ocean areas to commercial fishing Politics Jun 11, 2026 6:48 PM EDT President Donald Trump opened three marine protected areas in the Pacific Ocean to commercial fishing with a proclamation on Thursday that he said will boost the U.S. seafood industry. Watch the signing event in the video player above. Trump has targeted marine protections created in the era of Presidents Obama and Bush that he said stifle the country's ability to compete in the global seafood marketplace. READ MORE: Trump ends Obama-era restrictions on commercial fishing in protected area off New England He moved to reestablish fishing in Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off New England in February. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Thursday's move focused on portions of Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Rose Atoll Marine National Monument. The monuments are protected zones in remote areas of the Pacific. Environmental groups have criticized Trump's moves to allow fishing in protected zones, which they said provide vital habitat for rare sea life. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now