Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump has signed a proclamation attempting to allow commercial fishing in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, off the coast of New England.
The national monument was established by President Barack Obama in 2016 to protect its unique geologic features, ocean habitats, and opportunities for scientific discovery. Trump first sought to open the monument to commercial fishing in 2020, but protections were restored for the monument in 2021.
In response, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection, released the following statement:
“Our national marine monuments protect some of our most special places, provide a haven for imperiled ocean wildlife, and safeguard coastal communities from pollution. Commercial fishing can endanger whales, sharks, and other marine wildlife that depend on these waters, and harm the fragile corals and geological features that make this monument unique. This is a dangerous action that will harm communities, regional economies, and ocean ecosystems.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.