OPENING DOORS IN THE PACIFIC:
Today, President Donald J. Trump took a significant step to invigorate American commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean, aligning with his America First Fishing Policy.
- This proclamation permits commercial fishing within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), which is expected to energize the economy of American Samoa.
- U.S.-flagged vessels will now have the opportunity to engage in commercial fishing activities within 50 to 200 nautical miles from the PRIMNM’s borders.
BOOSTING AMERICAN FISHERMEN’S PROSPECTS:
President Trump asserts that lifting superfluous restrictions on American fishermen will not only bolster the U.S. economy but also uplift local communities, addressing the inequities faced by an industry encumbered by excessive regulation and foreign competition.
- The PRIMNM was originally established by President Bush in 2009 and later expanded by President Obama, resulting in the closure of over 400,000 square miles within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific.
- Interestingly, the ban on commercial fishing within the PRIMNM has not effectively protected fish populations from overfishing, as migratory species like tuna do not permanently inhabit the area.
- As a consequence of these fishing restrictions, American fleets have lost access to nearly half of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Islands, forcing them to venture further into international waters. This has placed them in direct competition with poorly regulated and heavily subsidized foreign fleets, particularly those from China.
- In championing the cause of American fishermen, we also aim to tackle the pervasive issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by foreign fleets.
- This situation places U.S. commercial fishermen at a disadvantage and poses economic challenges for U.S. territories like American Samoa, which heavily relies on its fishing industry.
- American Samoa is home to the only Buy American-compliant tuna processing facility that supports U.S. military rations and school lunch programs.
- This cannery stands as the largest employer on the island, providing around 5,000 jobs and accounting for 99.5% of American Samoa’s exports as well as 84% of private employment in the territory.
The President’s initiatives to rejuvenate commercial fishing are part of a broader ambition to unlock the full potential of the American economy by emphasizing deregulation and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.
- President Trump initiated a 10-to-1 deregulation program that mandates every new federal regulation to be justified by clear advantages, paired with significantly larger deregulation efforts.
- He also formed the National Energy Dominance Council to cut red tape, boost private sector investments, spur innovation, and streamline the permitting processes across all American energy sectors.
- Additionally, the creation of the “Department of Government Efficiency” aims to refine federal operations, eradicate unnecessary programs and wasteful expenditures, and diminish bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- So far, President Trump has successfully reduced oversized governmental bodies and rolled back several expansions of governmental authority instituted during the Biden administration.
