Trump push to deregulate fishing sparks hope and concern in coastal communities
Trump eases fishing rules, fishermen divided (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
A new executive order from Donald Trump aimed at slashing fishing regulations has stirred mixed reactions among American fishermen, particularly in Maine and Alaska, AP News reports.
In the rugged coastal town of Stonington, Maine — the busiest lobster port in the US — veteran lobsterman Virginia Olsen sees opportunity in Trump's latest move.
For decades, she's witnessed growing challenges to the lobster industry, from strict government oversight to offshore wind farms and unfair trade dynamics with Canada.
But now, Trump's April 17 executive order, "Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness," promises to cut through red tape.
"It's time to have the conversation on what regulations the industry does need," Olsen said.
"We're fishing different than we did 100 years ago. If everything is being looked at, we should be looking at the regulations within the fishing industry."
The directive calls for reducing regulatory burdens and reviewing marine protected areas — a move welcomed by many in Maine, where the economy relies heavily on fishing.
"We appreciate the commitment to reduce burdensome regulations and strengthen the competitiveness of American seafood," added Patrice McCarron, head of the Maine Lobstermen's Association.
Conservationists and some fishers sound the alarm
Still, not everyone is convinced. The order's commerce-first approach has drawn criticism from scientists and seasoned fishermen who stress the need for ecological balance.
A 2020 study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that 82% of global fish stocks were below sustainable levels, warning of long-term consequences if regulations are weakened.
Matt Wiebe, a commercial fisherman from Alaska with over 50 years of experience, voiced deep concern.
"The executive order terrifies me," he said. "Since New England fishers lost their cod fishery due to overfishing, many other fisheries came to respect and depend on conservation efforts. We fish because it's what we do, and conservation efforts mean we and our kids can fish into the future."
With climate impacts, declining species, and ongoing trade tensions with countries like China and Canada, the path forward remains uncertain.
As the fishing industry navigates between economic revival and environmental responsibility, the future of America's seafood supply hangs in the balance.
Last month, Trump also signed an order allowing commercial fishing in a protected marine reserve in the Pacific, ending a 15-year ban, a move that drew sharp criticism from scientists who warned it threatens fragile ocean ecosystems.
