Pacific Fishery Council Targets Marine Monuments

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. 

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Defending US Marine Protected Areas

The islands and reefs of the USA Pacific Marine National Monuments are some of the most remote and healthiest protected coral-reef marine ecosystems in USA waters, even the world. These large, rich, biodiverse marine ecosystems have been protected for nearly two decades under 4 presidents of both parties. These marine protected areras are now at risk to being opened to commercial fishing interests under executive orders by the Trump Administration.

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