Inside Climate News: Trump Promotes Commercial Fishing in Protected Pacific Marine National Monuments

In June, Trump signed a proclamation ordering the removal of commercial fishing prohibitions within the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa. Scientists and other environmental advocates warn such activity would threaten coral reefs and other marine life. The Bush administration specifically created these protected areas in the early 2000s safeguard some of the region’s most pristine coral reefs, seabird colonies and other marine life from extractive activities, including commercial fishing, within their bounds. Learn MORE.