Join Shark Stewards supporting our National Marine Sanctuaries and our Marine Monuments – especially the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Sanctuary to commercial fishing.
Read MoreLetter to NOAA Against Opening Fishing in the Papahānaumokuākea
I am writing to express our strenuous opposition to the recent final action taken by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) to restore commercial fishing within the Pacific Remote Islands, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments. This recommendation to allow longline and purse seine fishing within 50–200 nm of these protected areas is a direct assault on some of the world’s last remaining intact marine ecosystems and must be rejected by NOAA Fisheries.
Read MorePacific 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.
Read MoreDefending 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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