The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued letters to regional fisheries councils directing them to reduce marine conservation protections in favor of more economically favorable fishing practices. This initiative follows President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at enhancing American seafood competitiveness, signed in April 2025. The changes may lead to the elimination of protections for endangered species such as leatherback turtles and Steller sea lions, as well as the reduction of marine protected areas (MPAs).
The letters call for councils to reassess their fisheries management plans, including the potential removal of species from conservation lists and adjustments to fishing gear regulations. Critics, including conservationists and former NOAA officials, argue that these measures prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability and ecological health. They warn that the proposed changes could harm already vulnerable marine populations and ecosystems.
NOAA has faced criticism for not addressing climate change impacts in these new policies, which some experts believe could exacerbate existing pressures on marine resources. The agency has not provided clarity on the specific species that may lose protections or the scientific criteria that will guide these decisions.