October 6, 2025 — The prospects of opening up Hawaii’s protected marine monument to commercial fishing has moved a step closer to reality.
Members of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, or Wespac, voted Sept. 17 to move toward allowing commercial fishing within four marine national monuments, including Papahanau mokuakea and the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
The decision followed testimony in strong opposition from Native Hawaiian leaders, scientists and environmental advocates.