NOAA Reopens Northeast Canyons National Monument to Commercial Fishing, Impacting U.S. Fishing Industry
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has lifted a longstanding ban on commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. This decision follows a proclamation signed by President Trump in February, aimed at revitalizing the American fishing industry. The monument, covering approximately 4,900 square miles, is home to valuable species such as red crab, mackerel, and swordfish. While the ban is lifted, certain restrictions remain, particularly on gear types like trawling and dredging, to protect deep-sea corals. This move aligns with the New England Fishery Management Council’s Deep-Sea Coral Amendment. The reopening is part of broader regulatory relief efforts, including recent actions in the Pacific Ocean. 
