President Trump Reopens Protected Atlantic Ocean Area to Commercial Fishing, Sparking Environmental Concerns
President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation to reopen a significant portion of the Atlantic Ocean, previously protected under the Obama administration, to commercial fishing. This area, known as the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, spans nearly 5,000 square miles off the New England coast. The monument was initially established by former President Barack Obama to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems, including undersea corals. Trump's decision to lift these protections is part of a broader effort to bolster U.S. fishing industries by reducing regulatory burdens. The move has been met with support from commercial fishing groups, who argue that sustainable fishing practices can coexist with conservation efforts. However, environmental organizations have criticized the decision, arguing that it undermines protections for marine life and have vowed to challenge it legally. 
