Council Actions

June 12, 2025. — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council took final action today to authorize the use of electronic monitoring (EM) as a mandatory tool for data collection aboard longline vessels operating under Hawai‘i and American Samoa limited-entry permits.

The Council’s decision amends the Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan to implement EM systems for the purpose of at-sea monitoring, including protected species interactions and other data collection requirements. The Council’s action calls for phased implementation of EM from 2025 through 2027, with vessels required to maintain EM systems once installed. The Council recommended longline vessels be randomly selected to install EM systems during the phase-in period.

The action comes as the number of human observers continues to decline due to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) budget limitations. NMFS has secured funding to install EM systems and cover administrative and sampling costs through 2027, but the agency has not committed to maintaining the program beyond that point.

“Whether it be the human observer program or EM, this is a mandate by the federal government, and we are now discussing an unfunded mandate,” said Council Vice Chair for American Samoa Archie Soliai. “We’ve heard over the last couple of years how the American Samoa longline fleet is struggling, and I find it very hard to support having industry pay for something that should be the responsibility of the federal government beyond 2027.”

The Council endorsed the need for EM and emphasized that it will provide reliable data for compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act as a primary objective. These data are also critical to meeting the terms of the biological opinion (BiOp), a legally required document developed under the ESA that outlines how fisheries must operate to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of protected species. EM will also serve as a standardized bycatch reporting methodology.

Public comments reinforced the need for federal support. Nate Ilaoa, vice chair of the American Samoa Advisory Panel, said, “This is a disproportionate burden to our region.” He also referenced U.S. agreements dating back to the early 1900s that committed the federal government to protect American Samoa’s resources.

Eric Kingma, executive director of the Hawaii Longline Association, echoed these concerns. “We support mandatory EM,” he said. “But we can’t take it on if the agency does not take up the costs.”

As part of its final action, the Council also directed staff to work with NMFS and the longline fleets to conduct workshops to ensure vessel monitoring plans (VMPs) are practical and efficient. VMPs describe the responsibilities of crew at sea to maintain operational EM systems and provide contingencies in case of malfunction. The Council further urged NMFS to conduct outreach to the fleets prior to implementation and to update cost-earnings data for the American Samoa fishery to assess any economic impacts of EM.

“This has been a very meaningful conversation,” Soliai said. “At the bottom line, we are talking about putting food on the table and sustaining livelihoods that help support small economies. Our collective wisdom is going to be key in solving these problems.”

The Council also approved mandatory crew training on protected species handling and release for the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. The decision follows a successful pilot program launched in April 2024 through a collaboration between NMFS, the Hawaii Longline Association and the Council. Advisory groups expressed strong support for the initiative, the first of its kind in the Pacific. The action aims to improve the survival of protected species following incidental interactions with longline gear, while minimizing added burden on fishery participants.

June 11, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) hosted a lively and thought-provoking Fishers Forum last night, June 9, at the Ala Moana Hotel. Titled “From Hanapa‘a to How Much? What It Takes to Fish and Sell in Hawai‘i,” the event brought together commercial fishers, seafood marketers and community members to discuss the evolving and often difficult realities of commercial fishing in the islands.

Panelists shared raw and honest insights about the economic, regulatory and cultural challenges facing Hawai‘i’s fishing community, especially as traditional knowledge erodes and entry into the profession becomes increasingly inaccessible.

“In the ’80s and ’90s, fishing was big,” said long-time fisherman Abe Apilado and WPRFMC Hawai‘i Advisory Panel member. “Now, fishermen are hardly recognized for their contributions. There’s a loss of fishing knowledge and community representation.” He noted “akule used to be king—today we leave fish in the water because no more market.”

He pointed to the growing burden of regulations, rising costs and reduced access to traditional fishing grounds such as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. He also stressed the strong work ethic required to commercially fish, considering today’s economic challenges.

“You have to be comfortable with failing in this life,” he said. “Fishing goes up and down like the stock market, but one good trip might make up for a week of losses.”

Apilado urged the community to invest in youth, remove the stigma from underappreciated fish species, and revive the tradition of fishing as a way to nourish—not just supply—our communities.

Kapili Kalahiki-Anthony, a former NOAA Fisheries observer and founder of Native Hawaiian Trading Co., is a vocal advocate for community-based fisheries. He highlighted the entrepreneurial and cultural aspects of modern-day fishing. He credits Hawai‘i’s legendary fisherman, Leo Ohai, who taught him the importance of knowing all fishing methods and having the experience to recognize when to target seasonal fisheries.

“You can’t just fish—you have to market yourself, use social media,” he explained. “It’s not just about money, but we do have to pay the bills. The key is to light that spark—to show the kids what we do and connect the dots.”

Kalahiki-Anthony discussed the importance of indigenous knowledge and innovation in revitalizing Hawaiian fisheries. Through his nonprofit, he is working to provide vocational training and mentorship, hoping to build a future where Hawai‘i’s youth see fishing as both a viable career and a cultural calling.

“Fish trapping is a lost art,” he added. “We need to create the space and the pride for it to come back.”

From the business side of the industry, Josh Schade of Ahi Assassins, a member of the WPRFMC Fishing Industry Advisory Committee, addressed market dynamics and the discontent many fishers feel when they see their catch sell for far more than they’re paid.

“It’s easy to say it’s unfair,” said Schade, “but between the boat and the plate, there’s a whole network of people working hard to get that fish to the customer. If we clarify what happens behind the curtain, we can resolve a lot of the frustration in our community.”

Schade’s response to the question about the most important message he would share with someone wanting to become a commercial fisherman was: “Show respect for each other, family and community.”

The forum drew a diverse audience, reflecting a shared concern for Hawai‘i’s food security, cultural heritage and economic resilience. A recurring message throughout the night was that supporting local fishers means more than buying local—it means acknowledging the mana‘o (knowledge), effort and heart that sustains the practice.

The Fishers Forum was part of the WPRFMC’s 203rd Council meeting week, which brings together community members to discuss fisheries management in the Western Pacific region.

June 5, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will convene June 9–11 in Honolulu to review major federal policy changes that could reshape fisheries access across the Pacific Islands, and to take final action on several critical fishery management measures. The meeting is open to the public, with participation available both in person and via Webex.

The Council will discuss recent presidential actions that may have significant implications for fisheries management and ocean resource access in the region.

Executive Order 14276 – Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: Among other provisions, directs NOAA to review marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll, and the Marianas Trench, to ensure alignment with national seafood priorities.

Executive Order 14192 – Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation: Mandates the identification of at least 10 regulations for repeal with each new regulation issued, with the goal of minimizing regulatory burdens and encouraging efficient use of public and private funds.

Executive Order 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to issue guidance on how federal agencies must use, interpret, and communicate scientific data, with an emphasis on transparency and rigor.

The Council will consider analyses of these actions and may offer recommendations regarding their potential effects on fishing access and regulations. The public is encouraged to send in their comments.

The Council will hear from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on a new initiative to evaluate a potential offshore mineral lease sale near American Samoa. This follows a request from a U.S.-based company, Impossible Metals, and is the first such federal step in more than 30 years. The proposal aligns with national priorities to expand domestic access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on imports. BOEM will conduct a public review process to assess environmental impacts, geologic conditions and potential conflicts with ocean uses such as fishing.

In addition to the presidential actions, the Council will take final action to authorize electronic monitoring (EM) as a recognized data collection tool in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. The EM program, currently voluntary and research-focused, would be transitioned to a formal monitoring mechanism. The Council will decide whether the program should be mandatory or optional, and how it should be funded beyond 2027, when federal support for equipment and sampling is currently set to expire.

Also on the agenda is Council review of a regulatory amendment to require crew training and a trained person on deck in these same longline fisheries. The action would expand existing protected species handling and release training requirements to crew members to reduce post-release mortality of protected species and ensure compliance with Endangered Species Act biological opinions. The Council will weigh options for recertification frequency, including annual, biennial or permanent certification.

In Hawai‘i, the Council will take final action on the annual catch limits for uku (green jobfish) in the main Hawaiian Islands for fishing years 2026 to 2029. This follows a stock assessment update that found the uku fishery is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. The Council will consider alternatives ranging from status quo to updated catch limits based on the latest assessment. It may also revisit whether in-season monitoring is practical for this fishery given challenges with data collection and reporting.

The Council will also discuss the 2024 Annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports for its five Fishery Ecosystem Plans: Hawai‘i, American Samoa, the Marianas, the Pacific Remote Island Areas and Pelagic Fisheries. These reports include updated information on bottomfish and pelagic fisheries, ecosystem trends, fishery participation, catch and economic performance.

The second day of the meeting, Tuesday, June 10, will begin with virtual opening remarks from Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, assistant administrator for National Marine Fisheries Service, followed by a review of the marine EOs from Sam Rauch, NMFS deputy assistant administrator for regulatory programs.

How to Join

In-Person: Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom (410 Atkinson St., Honolulu, HI)

Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/203CouncilMtg, Event password: CM203mtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/203rd-council-meeting

FISHERS FORUM

As part of the meeting week, the Council will host a public Fishers Forum titled “From Hanapa‘a to How Much? What It Takes to Fish and Sell in Hawai‘i” on Monday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom.

Fishers have shared that making a living from commercial fishing has become increasingly difficult, with only a few able to do it full-time. Yet they play a critical role in food security, feeding those who cannot fish and supporting island communities. To thrive in today’s fishing industry, one must understand more than just how to fish—costs, regulations, market shifts and environmental changes all factor in. At the forum, participants will hear directly from fishers and marketers about the real-world challenges of the business. The event will feature presentations, informational tables, giveaways and more.