This week, former President Donald Trump took decisive steps to protect America’s fishing industry with two executive orders that lay the foundation for an America First Fishing Policy.
His actions are aimed at undoing the damage caused by both the Obama and Biden administrations, which have often overlooked the needs of U.S. fishermen in favor of foreign competition and excessive regulations.
The Crisis Facing U.S. Commercial Fishermen
From Maine’s freezing harbors to the warm waters of American Samoa, U.S. commercial fishermen have long been a cornerstone of the country’s economy, supporting coastal communities and ensuring food security.
But despite their vital role, recent administrations have treated these workers as disposable.
The Obama administration’s expansion of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, for instance, led to the closure of nearly half a million square miles of U.S. waters, severely restricting commercial fishing in the region.
This, in turn, opened the door for foreign poaching, particularly by Chinese fleets, which have been operating unchecked in these waters.
Meanwhile, U.S. vessels have had to compete with heavily subsidized foreign fleets, further harming the domestic fishing industry.
How the Obama and Biden Administrations Failed U.S. Fishermen
The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, originally established by President George W. Bush in 2009, was expanded in 2014 under President Barack Obama.
This expansion made nearly 500,000 square miles of U.S. waters off-limits to American fishermen.
The consequences were far-reaching. U.S. fishermen were essentially locked out of waters that should have been available to them, while foreign, unregulated fleets—including those from China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—continued to harvest fish without restraint.
As a result, American Samoa’s tuna fishing industry has been hit particularly hard, with local vessels being forced to travel farther out to sea, facing increased competition from foreign vessels.
The Economic Devastation in American Samoa
Tuna fishing is the backbone of American Samoa’s economy, providing around 5,000 jobs—both direct and indirect—across the territory.
The StarKist cannery in Pago Pago, one of the largest tuna processing plants in the world, employs a significant portion of the population and is central to the region’s economic survival.
With the expansion of the fishing ban, the local tuna industry has been increasingly squeezed, threatening not only jobs but the future of the entire territory.
Despite repeated appeals from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, President Joe Biden failed to take action to rectify the situation.
Trump’s Executive Orders Offer Hope for U.S. Fishermen
Trump’s first executive order addresses this crisis by reopening the waters around the Pacific Remote Islands to U.S. commercial fishing vessels.
This move is expected to protect American Samoa’s economy and reduce illegal foreign poaching in the region.
The second executive order tackles another critical issue: the overregulation of the U.S. fishing industry.
Despite controlling over four million square miles of prime fishing grounds, the U.S. imports nearly 90% of its seafood, contributing to a $20 billion trade deficit.
This order aims to streamline regulations that have burdened American fishermen for years, including overly restrictive catch limits and outdated data, as well as foreign offshore wind companies purchasing U.S. fishing grounds.
Reducing Regulatory Burdens and Promoting U.S. Seafood
Under the new executive order, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been directed to evaluate and reduce regulations that are strangling America’s commercial fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing industries.
Within 30 days, Lutnick will focus on the most heavily regulated fisheries and work to cut unnecessary restrictions.
Additionally, a new America First Seafood Strategy will be developed to boost the production, marketing, and export of U.S. seafood, while also strengthening domestic processing capabilities.
Fighting Unfair Trade Practices in the Seafood Industry
One of the most pressing issues facing U.S. fishermen is the flood of cheap, low-quality seafood from foreign markets.
Countries like China engage in unfair trade practices, including government subsidies for fuel, vessel construction, and access fees, all of which make their seafood cheaper and more competitive than U.S.-caught fish.
Moreover, labor conditions on these foreign vessels are often exploitative, with reports of workers being physically abused and forced to remain on board under duress.
China’s poaching tactics, including the use of North Korean labor, have further exacerbated the problem.
In response to these practices, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will launch a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices in the seafood industry.
The goal is to hold foreign governments accountable for their actions and ensure that U.S. fishermen are competing on a level playing field.
A Call for a Stronger U.S. Fishing Industry
American fishermen have proven they can harvest seafood sustainably while preserving marine ecosystems.
If left unchecked, environmental activists could shut down large portions of U.S. waters, shrinking domestic fleets and jeopardizing food security.
However, with these new executive orders, President Trump is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient U.S. fishing industry—one that will ensure the continued success of American fishermen, support local economies, and protect the future of the nation’s seafood supply.
As the saying goes, “We choose fish, baby, fish.” The future of American fishing, strengthened by these new policies, is looking brighter than ever.