New analysis from ProtectedSeas Navigator examines how 2026 US presidential proclamations could affect protection within US marine waters with all five US marine national monuments now facing decreased regulatory protections. If proposed changes take effect for Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll, US highly protected waters would fall from 13.31% to 3.19%, with global ocean protection dropping from 3.3% to 3.0%. These figures were calculated by reassigning Navigator’s Level of Fishing Protection (LFP) scores based on each proclamation and reassessing coverage accordingly.
The Navigator team of attorneys and GIS specialists will monitor regulatory changes based on these proclamations and update the data once implementing regulations are finalized.