Donald Trump's recent executive order, titled "Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation," has sparked debate over the future of U.S. marine conservation and fisheries management. The directive asks federal agencies to prioritize recreational fishing and to reassess the scientific standards and environmental regulations that guide American fisheries. The National Marine Fisheries Service welcomed the move, saying it addresses issues with federal data collection, simplifies permitting processes, and expands marine habitats, which could help stabilize the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. However, conservation groups are concerned the order shifts away from science-based management and could weaken protections for marine ecosystems. The order instructs the Department of Commerce to review the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the main law regulating U.S. fisheries. This review is meant to ensure that recreational fishing is appropriately considered in management decisions. While reviewing existing guidelines is not unusual, some experts worry about how the Trump administration might reinterpret key terms like "overfishing" or "rebuilding" fisheries, which could affect how fish populations are managed. There is also concern about how the administration may redefine what constitutes "best available science," a standard used to guide conservation efforts. Another part of the order calls for the Department of the Interior to create a program that converts retired offshore oil and gas platforms into artificial reefs. Critics argue this could benefit the oil industry more than the environment, as these structures were never designed to support marine life and might introduce invasive species or release harmful chemicals into the ocean. While some platforms could offer temporary habitat for marine species, experts question whether converting them into reefs is appropriate in all areas, particularly where navigational safety or existing ecosystems are at risk. Simply attracting fish to a structure doesn’t guarantee the creation of new fish populations. The executive order also establishes an "Interagency Shark and Pinniped Depredation Task Force" to address situations where sharks and marine mammals take fish from fishing lines. This group is tasked with examining barriers to shark fishing, including international agreements and protections under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Some critics believe this provision aims to loosen restrictions on the shark trade, which is largely banned in the U.S. due to the ecological importance of sharks in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, such as regulating food webs and protecting coral reefs. The order also asks federal agencies to "suspend, revise, or rescind regulations" that may be seen as overly burdensome to boaters, anglers, and outdoor businesses. However, some environmental advocates warn that this could undermine protections like the vessel-speed rule, which helps prevent collisions with endangered North Atlantic right whales. This rule requires ships to slow to 10 knots or less in specific areas and times, reducing the risk of fatal strikes. This executive order is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to roll back environmental protections and reshape marine conservation policies. Since returning to office, the administration has expanded deep-sea mining, weakened protections for marine national monuments, and reduced safeguards for endangered species. Experts warn that if all proposed rollbacks are implemented, only 4% of U.S. waters could remain protected—compared to 26%—a level far too low to sustain marine biodiversity.