Groups Urge NOAA to Protect Marine Monuments
Environmentalists are calling on the NOAA to keep commercial fishing out of marine monuments, citing concerns over the Trump administration's lack of transparency in seeking public input.
Critics argue that President Donald Trump's executive order, "Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness," could have devastating impacts on five marine monuments if commercial fishing is allowed, including physical damage to habitats and harm to marine life.
The lifting of fishing bans in marine monuments would place "sensitive ocean ecosystems and the local economies that rely on them" at risk of permanent damage from "industrial-scale fishing.
- Over 230 scientists and 53 ocean conservation organizations have signed a letter opposing the move.
- The letter highlights the potential risks to marine mammals, coral, and other ocean life.
Author's summary: The Trump administration's plan to open marine monuments to commercial fishing faces opposition from environmentalists.