CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds joined President Donald Trump at the White House last week for the signing of a proclamation modifying commercial fishing restrictions in parts of the Pacific, including waters within the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.
The proclamation adjusts prior monument rules to allow commercial fishing in certain areas, including the Islands Unit of the monument. Federal oversight remains in place, with fishing activity still governed by the Magnuson‑Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, and protections for endangered species, marine mammals and sensitive habitats.
King‑Hinds said the visit was an important moment for the Commonwealth as it continues to navigate disaster recovery, economic strain, workforce shortages, and long‑term infrastructure needs.
“In a country of hundreds of millions of people, making sure the concerns of our small island community are heard requires taking every opportunity to engage directly and keep the Commonwealth’s priorities in front of decision‑makers,” she said. “I am grateful to President Trump for the invitation and the opportunity to represent the CNMI at the White House.”
She added that her responsibility is to ensure the people of the Northern Mariana Islands “are present in those conversations and that our community’s voice continues to be heard,” whether the issue is recovery, economic development, or federal policy.
The proclamation’s changes could carry significant implications for the region. King‑Hinds said the CNMI should examine how any increase in American fishing activity near the islands could support local jobs and services, including port operations, fuel, cold storage, vessel support, seafood handling, and long‑term food security.
“For the CNMI, this proclamation raises both opportunity and responsibility,” she said.
She emphasized that implementation must be “careful, transparent, grounded in science,” and inclusive of the people who live closest to the affected waters. She said local fishermen, the Commonwealth government, federal agencies, scientists, environmental groups, and the broader community should have a meaningful role as the policy moves forward.
King‑Hinds said she will continue pressing the Administration on the CNMI’s broader needs, including storm recovery, economic stabilization, and long‑term planning for the islands’ future.
