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In blatant disregard for animal welfare and marine biodiversity, President Trump issued an executive order to roll back protections and open previously safeguarded ocean areas to commercial fishing. This will bring catastrophic harm to millions, if not trillions, of individual animals as well as the marine environment. Use your voice to demand that this decision be reversed immediately!

On April 17, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation that effectively opened parts of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. The monument, formerly known as the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, covers roughly 490,000 square miles of open ocean, coral reefs, islands, and atolls (nearly twice the size of Texas). It was created in 2009 by President George W. Bush and expanded in 2014 under President Barack Obama. The area protects entire ecosystems and is home to endangered sea turtles, whales, sharks, seabirds, manta rays, and many other species.

In September, despite robust opposition from Native Hawaiians, scientists, and local fishers, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council moved to advance the implementation of the order, supporting the opening of both the Pacific Islands Heritage and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments.

Commercial fishing poses grave risks not only to the species that are hunted and trapped, but to entire ocean systems. Habitat destruction, fishing, and fishing bycatch (the incidental capture of non-target species) can inflict irreversible harm. What's more, sanctuaries like this one are among the most effective tools for maintaining ocean health and resilience, especially in a time of climate chaos.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: E.O. 14276 Notice Response: Stop Commercial Fishing from Destroying Marine Monuments!

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding President Trump’s April 17, 2025, executive order that opens the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. This decision jeopardizes one of the largest and most pristine tropical ocean ecosystems on Earth, undermining decades of progress in marine conservation.

The monument protects fragile coral reefs, open ocean ecosystems, and vital habitat for members of countless species, including whales, sea turtles, manta rays, sharks, and seabirds. The scientific consensus is clear: marine sanctuaries are essential to maintaining biodiversity, building climate resilience, and ensuring the long-term health of our shared world’s oceans.

Commercial fishing in this monument will cause irreparable harm by killing an incredible number of marine animals, whether intentionally or via bycatch and will destroy the marine environment. It threatens not only the targeted fish populations but the entire interconnected ecosystem.

I urge you to stand with the scientists, communities, and citizens calling for the protection of these invaluable marine environments. The health of our world’s oceans depends on leadership willing to prioritize conservation over short-term exploitation.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.