SW Arkansas Times

Today, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that allows commercial fishing within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, from 50 to 200 nautical miles within its boundaries. This decision has been met with support from House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, who stated, "Our fellow Americans in the Indo-Pacific region rely on commercial fishing for their economic stability and their future."

The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, which spans over 490,000 square miles, was expanded to its current size in 2014 and is overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The monument is recognized as one of the world's most fertile fishing areas.

Westerman emphasized the potential benefits of President Trump's decision, saying, "Today's decision by President Trump will help support local communities in places like American Samoa, and will allow for greater access to American fishing grounds." He expressed gratitude for the President's leadership and acknowledged that his "friends in the Pacific are celebrating this monumental new economic opportunity."

The executive order is expected to provide significant economic opportunities for Americans in Hawaii and the Pacific territories, including American Samoa, by facilitating responsible commercial fishing.