Marine Life Under Threat Under Trump’s Second Term

The reelection of Donald Trump as President of the United States casts a long shadow over the future of endangered marine life. With a history of undermining environmental protections and a disdain for climate science, Trump’s policies pose a significant threat to vulnerable marine species.

During his previous tenure, Trump notably lifted fishing restrictions in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a critical habitat for endangered marine life and delicate deep-sea corals. His open disregard for national monuments and public lands suggests a repeat of such actions, endangering the welfare of marine biodiversity.

Furthermore, Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement on his first day back in office signals a grim future for climate action. With Climate change intensifying, marine life face devastating impacts from rising sea temperatures, melting ice caps, and increasing sea levels. This environmental degradation exacerbates the challenges for species adaptation and survival, pushing them further towards extinction.

Under Trump’s governance, over 40 endangered and 59 threatened marine and coastal species monitored by NOAA, along with numerous others under the care of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are at increased risk. These agencies, crucial for the protection of these species, face potential cuts and reduced effectiveness, jeopardizing conservation efforts.

The plight of the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish highlights the dire situation. Threatened by habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear, their survival hinges on stringent environmental regulations and recovery plans, which are now under threat from the Trump administration‘s policies favoring industry over environment.

North Atlantic right whales, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining, also face bleak prospects due to increased risks from entanglement and vessel strikes, exacerbated by loosened regulations. Similarly, the newly recognized Rice’s whales and iconic Hawaiian monk seals continue to battle against habitat degradation and the adverse effects of human activity, with little hope for stringent federal protections under the current administration.

As we witness the rollback of vital environmental protections, it is crucial for us to Support organizations and initiatives committed to marine conservation. Every action counts, from advocating for stronger regulations to supporting sustainable practices that protect our oceanic heritage. We must rally behind science and Conservation, challenging policies that threaten the survival of our planet’s most vulnerable species. Together, we can make a difference. Let us stand firm in our commitment to safeguarding these irreplaceable marine lives for future generations. Join us in the fight to preserve our natural world against the tide of detrimental policies.

Article information adapted from ‘Donald Trump’s Second Term Will Be Bad News for Endangered Ocean and Coastal Animals‘ written by Dr. David Shiffman. This article is provided under a Creative Commons license.

This article by Nicholas Vincent  was first published by One Green Planet on 30 January 2025. Image Credit :Animalgraphy/Shutterstock.

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