June 12, 2026 — President Trump signed an executive proclamation on Thursday, opening additional Pacific fishing grounds to American commercial fishermen and U.S.-flagged vessels.
The proclamation, titled “Executive Proclamation Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific,” aims to create economic opportunities for commercial fishermen and strengthen coastal communities. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the action came as a direct result of feedback from the U.S. fishing industry.
“By restoring commercial fishing in the remote Pacific, we are creating new economic opportunity for coastal communities and restoring U.S. seafood competitiveness,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.