The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association applauds the President for once again taking decisive action to restore access for American commercial fishermen in the Atlantic. This marks the second time this administration has moved to correct misguided ocean monument designations that locked fishermen out of historic fishing grounds without sound science or meaningful conservation benefit.
For too long, these offshore monuments have functioned as political trophies for large environmental NGOs — symbolic wins that harm working waterfronts while doing little to improve ocean health. Meanwhile, U.S. fishermen remain among the most regulated and conservation-minded resource users in the world.
This decision is about more than access — it’s about growing America’s domestic seafood supply, strengthening coastal economies, and reducing reliance on foreign imports produced under far weaker environmental and labor standards.
Commercial fishermen are not the enemy of the ocean — we are its stewards. This administration recognizes that reality, and NEFSA looks forward to continuing the conversation about how smart policy can help grow America’s seafood economy while keeping our fisheries sustainable for generations to come.
