In a new proclamation, President Donald J. Trump has announced a significant revision to the management of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM). This area was originally established for conservation purposes by Proclamation 8336 in 2009 and was later expanded by Proclamation 9173 in 2014. The current change specifically permits commercial fishing within its boundaries, which was previously prohibited.
The monument covers over 400,000 square miles in the Pacific Ocean, protecting areas around Wake, Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, Johnston and Palmyra Atolls, and Kingman Reef. It aims to conserve a variety of marine life and ecosystems. Prohibitions on commercial fishing had positioned American fishing fleets at a competitive disadvantage against international fleets, particularly affecting economies like that of American Samoa, which relies heavily on the fishing industry.
President Trump stated, "I find that appropriately managed commercial fishing would not put objects of scientific and historic interest within the PRIMNM at risk." Under the new regulation, the management responsibilities fall to the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior. These officials will oversee the regulation of commercial fishing activities within the monument in accordance with existing federal laws, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
The proclamation also emphasizes the continued preservation of freedoms of the seas and supports the United States Armed Forces in maintaining training and readiness within national waters. "The Secretary of Defense shall continue to manage Wake Island and Johnston Atoll as specified in Proclamation 8336," the proclamation affirms.
The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with publishing new proposed rules to amend or repeal existing regulations that limit commercial fishing in the PRIMNM. It is outlined that no U.S. laws regarding land withdrawals and appropriations are affected beyond the scope of the original proclamations governing PRIMNM.
President Trump's new proclamation was signed on April 17, 2025.
