NOAA Rescinds Regulation Prohibiting Commercial Fishing in Atlantic Monument Area

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service today rescinded a regulation that prohibited commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument boundaries. This action was necessary to align fishing regulations with President Trump's Executive Proclamation Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Atlantic to reopen the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.

NOAA is proud to support the Administration's pledge to restore U.S. seafood competitiveness through the America First Fishing Policy. The President's Executive Proclamation and NOAA's regulatory actions come as a direct result of feedback from the U.S. fishing industry and they will increase economic opportunities for American fishermen.

"Through this Executive Proclamation, the president delivered on his promise to bolster the American fishing industry and fishing communities," said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. "Restoring fishing in the Northeast Monument sends a signal that our fishermen are valued in the United States."

Due to upwellings of deep, cold water, the 4,913 square miles of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is home to many desirable fishery resources including Atlantic deep-sea red crab, squid, Atlantic mackerel, and Atlantic tunas and swordfish. Commercial fishing of these species will strengthen economic development for American coastal communities.

"The United States will strengthen our global leadership in fisheries, as we continue to restore opportunities for our great fishermen," said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator. "This historic action will lead to more U.S.-caught fish on American tables."

In 2023, U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries contributed over 2.1 million jobs and $319 billion in national fishery sales. U.S. marine fisheries boost the economy, invest in local communities, and provide safe, ethically harvested sources of delicious protein.

Sustainable American fisheries management is based on strong science, responsive management, and enforced compliance. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and its partners will continue balancing the management of the national monument's marine ecosystem with the engagement of commercial fisheries, including coordination with the regional fishery management councils.

For more details, please visit: Federal Register | Modifications to Conform U.S. Fishery Regulations with the Presidential Proclamation Unleashing Commercial Fishing in the Atlantic