ClimatePolitics

US renews push to open Pacific marine protected area to fishing

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 12/11/2026, 20:24:24 UTC.

Briefings

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service proposed rules allowing commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, specifically around Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, and Jarvis Island. The proposal permits fishing between 50 and 200 nautical miles from these islands, covering a total area of 1 million square kilometers. NOAA stated this would support long-term U.S. fisheries sustainability and align with previous Trump administration directives to increase fishing in the Pacific, though it noted the impact on fisheries operations might be minor. The proposal was open for public comment until December 9, 2026.

Key points

• Commercial fishing is permitted between 50 and 200 nautical miles from Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, and Jarvis Island in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
• The proposed area covers 1 million square kilometers (408,000 square miles) and includes a network of islands, atolls, seamounts, and coral reef systems.

Context

This finding addresses a recent U.S. government initiative to open a Pacific marine reserve to commercial fishing, specifically around three key islands. The proposal aims to support long-term fisheries sustainability and aligns with previous Trump administration directives to increase fishing in the Pacific, though it acknowledges potential minor impacts on operations.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to the proposed rules published by NOAA Fisheries on November 9, 2026, and the public comment period ended on December 9, 2026. The source does not provide specific data on current fishing levels, historical impacts, or long-term sustainability metrics. The characterization of potential harm to cultural resources and protected species as 'negligible' is presented as a statement rather than verified data. The article is from Mongabay and does not contain direct quotes from NOAA or specific scientific studies.

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