The White House announced Donald Trump’s executive directive to increase domestic seafood production. The Commerce Department was directed to relax regulations and open marine monuments to commercial fishing.
Why It’s Important
This is Trump’s latest effort to remove regulations that he believes are burdensome on American businesses.
Key Quote
According to the White House, the order will strengthen the U.S. fishing industry by reducing regulatory burdens and combating unfair foreign trade practices. The order also boosts the domestic production of seafood and its exports.
By The Numbers
White House: Despite owning over 4 million square miles (over one quarter of the United States), nearly 90% of seafood is imported. This results in a surplus trade of more than 20 billion dollars.
Trump has also opened up the 400,000-acre Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. The monument is located south and west of Hawaii.
Context
It is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s responsibility to manage coastal fisheries in America’s $320 billion fishing industry. The National Marine Fisheries Service of NOAA creates management plans that cover 45 different fisheries. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also determines fishing seasons, sets quotas, and consults with federal scientists and local fishermen.
