Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Unleashes American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

4/17/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Proclamation Details: President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation on April 17, 2025, to open the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to commercial fishing as part of the America First Fishing Policy.
Geographic Scope: U.S.-flagged vessels are now permitted to fish commercially within 50 to 200 nautical miles of the PRIMNM boundaries, unlocking nearly half of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific.
Economic Impact: The move is designed to boost American Samoa’s economy by revitalizing its fishing industry, where the territory’s major tuna processing facility is the key employer and export driver.
Regulatory Rationale: The action aims to remove unnecessary restrictions on American fishermen, restore industry fairness, and counteract overregulation and foreign subsidization, particularly targeting problematic practices by Chinese fleets.
Policy Context: The PRIMNM was originally established by President Bush in 2009 and expanded under President Obama; despite its closure, it failed to protect fish populations due to the migratory nature of key species.
Broader Deregulation Agenda: The initiative forms part of President Trump’s wider deregulation strategy including a 10-to-1 deregulation initiative, the establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council, and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency aimed at cutting red tape and reducing bureaucratic inefficiency.

Risks & Considerations

The proclamation to open the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to commercial fishing could lead to environmental concerns, particularly regarding the sustainability of fish populations. This may attract scrutiny from environmental groups and could impact Vanderbilt’s research initiatives related to marine biology and environmental science.
The emphasis on deregulation and cutting red tape may create a precedent for similar actions in other sectors, potentially affecting regulatory frameworks that Vanderbilt relies on for research funding and compliance.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of this policy on its partnerships and collaborations with organizations focused on environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
The focus on American economic interests and deregulation could influence federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and financial support for research projects at Vanderbilt that align with environmental and regulatory compliance.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science and Marine Biology Programs may need to adjust their research focus to address the potential environmental impacts of increased commercial fishing in the Pacific.
The Office of Federal Relations at Vanderbilt might need to engage with policymakers to advocate for balanced approaches that consider both economic and environmental interests.
Research Centers focused on sustainability and environmental policy may find opportunities to study the effects of deregulation and contribute to policy discussions on sustainable fishing practices.

Financial Impact

The shift towards deregulation and economic prioritization could lead to changes in federal funding allocations, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s access to research grants related to environmental and regulatory studies.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to support research initiatives that could be affected by changes in federal priorities.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on the economic and environmental impacts of deregulation, particularly in collaboration with federal agencies and industry stakeholders.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on research funding and partnerships.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Policy Program should analyze the implications of the deregulation of commercial fishing in the Pacific Ocean. This analysis can provide insights into the environmental impacts and inform policy recommendations that balance economic interests with ecological sustainability.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal deregulation policies, particularly those affecting environmental and economic sectors. By understanding these shifts, Vanderbilt can better align its research and advocacy efforts with national priorities.
Vanderbilt’s Business School could explore opportunities to study the economic impacts of deregulation on local communities, such as American Samoa. This research can contribute to a broader understanding of how deregulation affects economic development and employment.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader societal impacts of deregulation policies. This research can provide valuable insights into how these policies affect economic equity, community dynamics, and long-term economic outcomes.

Opportunities

The deregulation initiative presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in legal analysis and advocacy regarding the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the school can influence policy decisions and contribute to the national conversation on deregulation.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on deregulation by developing new programs and partnerships with industries affected by these changes. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the economic and environmental sectors.
The emphasis on supporting local economies through deregulation offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Economic Development to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how these policies are implemented to support economic equity and access.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on environmental and economic research and policy advocacy.)

Average Relevance Score: 2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: No explicit compliance deadline is specified in the text; the proclamation appears to be effective immediately upon signing.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) Management: The proclamation alters commercial fishing restrictions within PRIMNM, thereby affecting the government agencies responsible for managing and regulating this national monument.
National Energy Dominance Council: Newly established as part of President Trump’s broader deregulatory initiative, this council will influence policies aimed at streamlining energy projects and investments.
Department of Government Efficiency: Created to assess and reform federal operations by eliminating redundant programs and waste, this department will impact internal government processes and efficiency measures.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three government entities are directly impacted by this proclamation.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The fact sheet does not specify any particular agency officials or designated personnel responsible for implementing the declaration and related deregulation measures.

Relevance Score: 1 (No specific implementation officials were identified in the text.)