Caught in the Ping-Pong Policy of Partisan Presidential Priorities

President Trump recently signed a proclamation restoring commercial fishing access to all 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, located off the coast of New England. Those with good memories will note the regulations of opening and closing those fishing areas that began with the Obama administration, then Trump actions, then Biden counter-action, now Trump for the rally.

EMPOWERING AMERICAN COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

The latest step is to remove “unnecessary restrictions” on American fishermen in order to strengthen the U.S. economy, support coastal communities, and restore fairness to an industry disadvantaged by overregulation and unfair foreign competition…

• The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, established by President Obama in 2016, prohibited commercial fishing within its boundaries.
• In his first term, President Trump lifted these restrictions
• In 2021, President Biden reinstated the Obama-era prohibitions on commercial fishing
• Prohibiting commercial fishing is not necessary for the proper care and management of the Monument, as many fish species are highly migratory, not unique to the area, and are already protected through existing laws, such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
• Revoking the restrictions, the proclamation further supports New England’s fishing communities, in turn fostering economic growth and job creation in coastal regions, and supporting the vital longline fishing and Maine lobster industries by ensuring unfettered access to the coastal waters of the United States.

Other advancements to establishing an AMERICA FIRST FISHING POLICY:

• unleashing commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean, opening the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to U.S.-flagged vessels.
• restoring American seafood competitiveness by reducing regulatory burdens, combating unfair foreign trade practices, and enhancing domestic seafood production and exports.
• implemented tariffs to protect America’s fishing industry—seen as a lifeline for the shrimping industry.
• halting offshore wind projects to preserve a robust U.S. fishing industry for generations.

Benefit to Rhode Island Fishing Industry small, but symbolic

The immediate, practical impact on Rhode Island fisheries is limited—but symbolically and politically significant. The reopened commercial fishing area in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, is an offshore area far beyond where most Rhode Island fishing actually occurs, some 130–150 miles offshore, beyond the core operating range of most Rhode Island boats sailing out of Point Judith, Newport, and Galilee. Most Rhode Island commercial fishing — especially inshore lobster, scallop, squid, and groundfish — happens much closer to shore, in Rhode Island Sound, Block Island Sound, and the Outer Continental Shelf well north of the monument.

Large longline and pelagic vessels—more common out of Massachusetts and Maine—are the primary beneficiaries, though some RI-based permits or crew members could benefit if they work on or supply those fleets.

The proclamation does send a message attractive to the RI fishing industry as it signals a rollback mindset toward marine protected areas, reinforcing arguments Rhode Island fishermen already make about cumulative closures, shifting goalposts, and management by exclusion rather than stock science. This matters because RI fishermen are currently dealing with quota pressure, gear restrictions, offshore wind conflicts, and climate-driven species shifts. This strengthens their political footing, even if it doesn’t immediately increase landings.

Also, halting offshore wind projects, partially to preserve a robust U.S. fishing industry is arguably the most relevant piece for Rhode Islander fishers, because RI waters are already crowded with wind infrastructure. Fishermen have raised concerns about: displacement, navigation safety, insurance, gear loss, and these cumulative impacts. This action reinforces a federal posture more skeptical of new offshore wind approvals, which RI fishing groups have been pushing for.

Familiar fishing advocates vs. environmentalists debate

Commercial fishing advocates broadly welcomed the proclamation, saying the decision supports access under sustainable practices. John Williams of Atlantic Red Crab Company in New Bedford said to one media outlet, that industry members “deserve to be rewarded, not penalized … we can fish sustainably and continue to harvest … in perpetuity.” — a comment representing broader industry support in New England. In the past, representatives linked to the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance have argued that available catch data may understate the economic importance of offshore areas to fishermen, signaling long-standing industry concerns about restrictions and data transparency.

Of course, conservation advocates including Oceana criticized reopening, warning it could threaten protected marine habitats and have broader ecosystem impacts – and environmental groups say reopening may put fragile deep-sea ecosystems at risk, countering industry claims about sustainability.

One expects the fish ping pong of partisan Presidential priorities will continue as time – and parties – go by.