March 25, 2026
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) announced it has taken final action to restore commercial fishing in parts of the Pacific Islands Heritage, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments, citing the need for local community access and economic development. The recommendation includes allowing longline and purse seine fishing within 50–200 nm of specific areas.
Key Takeaways from March 2026 Press Release:
- Monument Reopening: The council voted to allow sustainable, regulated commercial fishing in designated marine monuments, overturning previous total prohibitions in certain areas.
- Targeted Areas: The action affects areas surrounding Jarvis and Wake Islands, Johnston Atoll, and parts of the Papahānaumokuākea monument.
- Justification: The council argued that existing prohibitions, such as those in Papahānaumokuākea, were restrictive, while advocating that the Magnuson-Stevens Act provides better, science-based, bottom-up management for local economies.
- Next Steps: These recommendations are not final and require review and approval by NOAA Fisheries.
- Opposition: Environmental groups, including Earthjustice, maintain that reopening these areas, particularly Papahānaumokuākea, threatens biodiversity and reverses gains in tuna abundance, says Earthjustice.
- Other Issues: The council has also been addressing rising shark depredation issues affecting local fisheries.
Here is a summary and petition.
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