June 16, 2026 — THE Uraali Refaluwasch Association wants U.S. territories in the Pacific to receive a fair and meaningful share of the economic benefits from the reopening of the marine monument to commercial fishing.
In his April 17, 2025 proclamation, President Donald Trump removed the Obama-era prohibition on commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Pacific marine monument.
URA Senior Advisor Melvin L.O. Faisao, in a letter to Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council Chairman Nathan Ilaoa, said he appreciates the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen domestic fisheries, support seafood production, and expand economic opportunities throughout the Pacific.
At the same time, he said he believes “there is an important discussion that deserves continued attention: ensuring that Pacific communities and U.S. territories receive a fair and meaningful share of the economic benefits generated from these fisheries.”
Faisao noted that the president’s proclamation does not specifically address how the economic value derived from those resources will benefit the island communities most closely connected to them.