Protect Endangered Wildlife From Industrial Greed In The Pacific
Final signature count: 129
129 signatures toward our 30,000 goal
Sponsor: Free The Ocean
A vast Pacific sanctuary has been opened to industrial fishing—threatening endangered species, Indigenous heritage, and a vital ocean refuge that once belonged to all of us.

A vast stretch of Pacific Ocean once protected for its rare wildlife and deep cultural significance is now open to commercial fishing. Nearly 500,000 square miles southwest of Hawai‘i—part of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument—has been stripped of its safeguards by executive order, exposing fragile ecosystems to longliners and trawlers1.
Life at Risk Below the Surface
These waters shelter endangered sea turtles, nesting seabirds, whales, and some of the most pristine coral reefs left on the planet2. They are also sacred to Indigenous Pacific Islanders, who have long honored them as ancestral ocean highways3. Removing protections for the sake of short-term industry gains is a direct threat to both biodiversity and cultural survival.
The Economic Argument Doesn’t Hold Water
Despite claims that lifting the ban would benefit American Samoa’s fishing economy, federal data shows that U.S. fleets spent less than 1% of their time in these waters before they were protected4. Local leaders have been misled to believe this decision will solve their economic hardships, while the truth is that decades of research show fully protected marine reserves actually increase fish stocks in surrounding areas, boosting long-term sustainability5.
Once Lost, These Ecosystems Don’t Come Back
Opening these waters is not a fix. It’s a risk. Once these ecosystems collapse, we can’t bring them back. This isn’t just about fish. It’s about honoring commitments to ocean conservation, respecting Indigenous heritage, and protecting what’s left of the wild. The Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument was created because of its unique value to all life on Earth. Its destruction would be permanent.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
We must act now. Sign the petition calling on the President, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the NOAA Administrator to immediately reinstate the fishing ban and restore protections to the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.