President Reopens Pacific Waters for Commercial Fishing
Published Date: 6/17/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The President is reopening huge areas of Pacific waters for American commercial fishing, boosting jobs and local economies while keeping fish and ocean life safe. This change affects fishing communities and businesses that follow smart, science-based rules already in place. The new access starts right away, making it a big win for hardworking fishers and the environment alike.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Pacific Areas Reopened
This proclamation (signed June 11, 2026) removes certain monument-based prohibitions and restores access to hundreds of thousands of square miles of Pacific waters for commercial fishing. The reopened areas include the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument; the Mau Zone, Ho'omalu Zone, and areas seaward of 50 nautical miles within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument; and waters between 12 and 50 nautical miles surrounding Rose Atoll.
Only U.S.-Flagged Vessels May Fish
The proclamation states that only United States‑flagged vessels shall be allowed to fish commercially within the boundaries of the affected monuments. The proclamation allows that permits may be issued to foreign‑flagged vessels only to transport fish harvested by United States fishermen.
Existing Fisheries Laws Still Apply
Commercial fishing in areas that were previously prohibited remains subject to all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Magnuson‑Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and applicable fishery management plans. Fishers must comply with those existing conservation and management rules when operating in the reopened areas.
Some Nearshore Areas Stay Closed
The proclamation does not change existing restrictions that apply within 50 nautical miles of the center geographical positions of certain islands and reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, nor restrictions within 12 nautical miles of Rose Atoll. Those nearshore limits remain in place despite the broader reopening.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16979, Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components Into the United States
2026-16730, Delivering Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations for Americans
2026-16748, Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Export Control Regulations
2026-16589, Paperwork Reduction Act; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Revisions of Currently Approved Collection: Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program and Community-Based Coalition Enhancement Grants To Address Local Drug Crisis (CARA) Local Drug Crisis Program National Evaluation
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announces it will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) an information collection request.
2026-16400, Adjusting Imports of Polysilicon and Its Derivatives Into the United States
2026-16401, National Purple Heart Day, 2026
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12282, 75th Anniversary of the White House Navy Mess, 2026
The White House Navy Mess is celebrating 75 years of serving the President and top officials with amazing food and service. This special Navy team not only cooks but also helps with events and travel meals, showing top-notch skill and dedication. No changes or costs are involved—just a big salute to their incredible work since 1951!
Next: 2026-12286, Presidential Determination and Delegation of Authority Under Section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended
The President has spotted big problems in making enough munitions and defense gear because of supply chain issues and limited factories. To fix this, the Secretary of War now has special powers to make deals and plans that boost production and keep the country safe. This change kicks in right away and aims to strengthen our defense without delay.