These are some of the last pristine ocean ecosystems. Now, they're losing protections
The Trump administration is rolling back protections for U.S. marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean, allowing for commercial fishing in previously restricted areas. These remote ecosystems, such as Palmyra Atoll, are critical biodiversity hotspots that have been studied for decades.
Why it matters
This policy shift threatens the long-term health of some of the world's most pristine marine environments and reverses years of conservation efforts.
The largest conservation areas in the U.S. are in the Pacific Ocean. President Trump is rolling back their protections.
Reporting by Lauren Sommer Visuals by Claire Harbage
This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.
Claire Harbage/NPR Some of the most pristine ecosystems left in the world are found in the Pacific.
These remote islands and atolls are biodiversity hot spots, home to thriving coral reefs …
More than a million square miles of the Pacific Ocean are safeguarded as U.S. marine national monuments and sanctuaries.
Now, the Trump administration is opening some of these waters to commercial fishing.
Thousands of miles from California, the Pacific marine monuments are centered on tiny islands and atolls.
One of them is Palmyra Atoll, about as far from a continent as you can get on the planet.
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