HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – On Tuesday, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council voted to advance President Donald Trump’s executive order to allow commercial fishing inside the Papahanaumokuakea and Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monuments.
The decision came after about a dozen Native Hawaiians, fishers, and scientists voiced opposition, including former Department of Hawaiian Home Lands director William Aila Jr.
“Great disappointment. It just means that extractive, industrial fishing takes precedent over the sacredness of Papahanaumokuakea,” Aila said. “This area has been pristine for many, many years, and the fisheries have regained their vitality. So, we would prefer to keep those areas closed off to fishing because that is our insurance policy for future generations.”
The council also voted to set limits on fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, which encompasses 490,000 square miles southwest of Hawaii.
The decision for restrictions is meant to “ensure sustainable harvest of fishery resources and reduce imported seafood while conserving protected species and monument resources.”
Earthjustice attorney David Henkin said the council could consider parameters such as caps on the amount of fish fishers can catch, as well as requiring observers on board.
“It’s notable that WestPac (the council), which is not shy about advocating for commercial fishing interests…didn’t go that far. They said, ‘let’s take a deeper look at this, let’s explore the options in recognition that commercial fishing is highly destructive. So that’s super significant,” Henkin added.
The council instructed staff to develop recommendations for fishing guidelines, which is expected to be discussed during its next meeting in December.
Federal rule-making, the council added, could begin as early as March of next year, but the final decision will be made by the Department of Commerce and ultimately, President Trump.
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