August 3, 2026 — The following was released by the The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:
The future of American Samoa’s fisheries depends on informed community voices.
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold two public meetings to discuss the Large Vessel Prohibited Area, or LVPA, and hear directly from fishermen, families and island communities.
The LVPA is a federal zone around American Samoa where vessels 50 feet and longer are prohibited from fishing for tuna and other pelagic species. The Council is reviewing the current rules and boundaries under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and will consider community testimony as part of its discussions at its September meeting.
Join us for an open conversation, ask questions, share your experiences and make sure your perspective is part of the discussion.
Meeting Schedule:
Date: August 6, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (SST)
Location: Sadie’s by the Sea Conference Room, Utulei, Tutuila
Date: August 7, 2026 (Friday)
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (SST)
Location: Fitiuta Lodge Fale, Fitiuta, Taʻu, Manuʻa
For more information, please contact Felix Penalosa (684-733-2754).
Please see the flyer below for details and help spread the word!
About the Council
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Council is responsible for developing and implementing fishery management plans for waters surrounding Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI and U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas. The Council works to promote sustainable fisheries, protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of fishing communities through science-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement.