In a fervent appeal to President Donald Trump, fishermen, charter captains, and coastal leaders nationwide are urging action to safeguard the domestic fishing industry.
The Make America Fish Again (MAFA) movement has emerged as a vocal advocate, highlighting the detrimental impact of large-scale foreign enterprises on U.S. natural resources along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of America. The movement's organizers argue that these foreign entities are severely undermining the American fishing sector.
"Only the Lord can Save More Fish Than Donald Trump," declared Vinnie Calabro, owner of Karen Ann Charters and a commercial striped bass fisherman. This sentiment underscores the urgency felt by those who rely on the seas for their livelihood. They are calling on President Trump to issue an executive order to halt reduction fishing of forage fish in these critical waters.
As reported by One America News, forage fish, often referred to as bait fish, are integral to the ocean's food chain, supporting species such as tuna, cod, striped bass, and even whales. The overharvesting of these fish, primarily by a Canadian-owned company, Omega Protein, is a significant concern. Phil Zalesak, President of the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization, emphasized the potential economic revival that could follow such an executive order.
"This action will reestablish a $10 million striped bass business base industry on the Atlantic coast and lead to the employment of thousands of fishermen and business owners along the coast," he stated.
The stakes are high, with MAFA warning that 2.3 million American jobs and the $321 billion domestic fishing economy are at risk. Steve Atkinson, chairman of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, lamented the unique position of Virginia, the only East Coast state permitting large-scale menhaden fishing.
This practice has left the Chesapeake Bay particularly vulnerable during the summer months. Atkinson questioned the consequences of removing 51,000 metric tons, or 112 million pounds, of menhaden annually, benefiting Canadian interests at the expense of local ecosystems.
The ecological impact is evident, with 2024 data revealing a troubling decline in the reproductive rate of Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay, falling below the necessary threshold for population sustainability. Omega Protein, however, denies responsibility for this decline.
In a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), Peter Himchak, the company's senior scientific advisor, criticized the commission's recommendations, arguing for a more comprehensive investigation into menhaden supply and predatory demand.
In a show of support, President Trump and Donald Trump Jr. shared a MAFA video on Truth Social and X, drawing attention to the challenges faced by American fishermen due to foreign fishing operations. Calabro indicated that he recently discussed the issue with the president, who reportedly expressed willingness to consider an executive order.
The MAFA movement sees this as an opportunity for President Trump to usher in a new era for American fishing, one that prioritizes domestic interests and revitalizes the industry. As the call for action grows louder, the future of American fishing hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive leadership.
Login