Defending the Papahānaumokuākea - Kona Ocean Films and Advocacy Day

Aloha

On March 30, 2026, Trump’s Executive Order 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness,” directed the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Wespac) to submit a plan to open the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Sanctuary to commercial fishing. The Marianas Island and Rose Atoll National Marine Monuments are also under scrutiny in this directive.

This violation of several federal laws follows an earlier proclamation to fish the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) in 2025. This move was blocked by a federal judge in Hawai'i, but not before that Monument was opened to commercial fishing.

We have submitted letters and comments to NOAA and WESPAC, and with other NGOs, we are investigating legal pathways to protect these sacred islands and waters. 

Shark Stewards is hosting an event in Kailua-Kona tomorrow to celebrate and protect the Pacific coral reefs, sharks and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

If you are in Hawai'i, please join us for films made in Hawai'i incluing our new series Listen to the Sea. We are gathering our ocean ohana (family)  to support protection and defend the Papahānaumokuākea from Trump's commercial  fishing.

Thanks for your support.

David and the Shark Stewards Team