The Trump administration aims to boost U.S. seafood production, support the economies of American Pacific territories, and help American fishing fleets compete against heavily subsidized foreign fleets by lifting fishing restrictions.

Environmental organizations warn that opening the monument to commercial fishing threatens critical species' habitats, marine ecosystems, and endangered species such as sea turtles and whales. They also emphasize the area's biodiversity and cultural significance, with concerns about the impact on marine life and ancestral heritage.

Environmental groups like Earthjustice have questioned the legality of the executive orders and announced plans to challenge the actions in order to preserve the protections of the marine reserve.

Scientists note that the monument contains some of the most diverse aquatic life on the planet, including resident species such as sharks, rays, marlin, tuna, giant clams, hawksbill turtles, ancient coral forests, whales, and large seabird colonies. The majority of species are resident rather than migratory.

Alongside lifting fishing restrictions, the administration signed a second executive order to ease regulations on the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries, review other national marine monuments for potential expanded access, reduce regulatory burdens, and combat unfair foreign trade practices to strengthen the U.S. fishing industry.