Massachusetts Lobstermen's Assn. v. Raimondo

Commercial fishing groups are asking the Supreme Court to take a fight over President Obama’s 3.2 million-acre Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. They say the Antiquities Act may not allow an offshore marine monument of that size, especially one that restricts lobster and crab fishing.

The case is pending, and oral argument has not been scheduled. The fishing groups argue the Antiquities Act covers only certain federally owned or controlled land and that this 3.2 million-acre monument is larger than the statute allows.

The case could affect whether fishermen can return to parts of the monument area and how far presidents can go in setting aside ocean areas. That matters for lobster and crab businesses, coastal communities, and future marine conservation orders.

Watch for the Court to decide whether to hear the case and, if it does, to schedule oral argument. No decision window is available yet.

The fishing groups challenge the offshore monument under the Antiquities Act. They say the law may not authorize this kind of marine monument or one this large.

Lobster and crab fishermen could be directly affected because the monument restricts fishing in the area. Coastal businesses tied to that fishing could also feel the impact.

The next key step is whether the Supreme Court grants certiorari, the Court's decision to hear the case. If it does, the next major milestone would be oral argument scheduling.