July 1, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council welcomed the appointment of Cody Norita as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands obligatory member, Eric Kingma as an at-large member representing Hawaiʻi and the reappointment of Roger Dang as an at-large member representing Hawaiʻi. Their appointments strengthen the Council’s expertise in commercial fishing, fisheries management and regional resource stewardship at a time when domestic seafood producers face increasing competition from imported seafood and foreign fishing fleets.
Hawaii Longline Association Executive Director Kingma brings decades of experience in Hawaiʻi’s commercial fishing industry and management, while Dang continues his service with extensive expertise in fishery operations, seafood distribution and fishery management. Together, they provide firsthand knowledge of seafood harvesting, processing and marketing, as well as the regulatory and economic challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s fishing industry. Their experience also provides valuable perspective on the international fisheries policies and conservation measures that influence Hawaiʻi’s fisheries and seafood markets.
Norita, CNMI assistant fire chief and U.S. Navy veteran, brings leadership in emergency management, interagency coordination and community resilience, along with firsthand experience as a pelagic fisherman. As founder of the CNMI Veterans Fishing Derby, he combines practical fishing knowledge with a strong commitment to sustainable marine resource stewardship and island communities.
“Cody has built a career on discipline and service, from the flight deck of the USS Nimitz to emergency response in the CNMI,” said Council Chair Nathan Ilaoa. “Through his work with the Veterans Fishing Derby, he’s turned that same commitment toward something just as important: connecting people back to the ocean and to each other.”
“Our commercial fishermen operate under extensive conservation, monitoring and reporting requirements, yet they continue to compete against imported seafood that often comes from fisheries operating under different standards,” said Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds. “Eric, Roger and Cody bring diverse experience in commercial fishing, international fisheries, fisheries management and public service that will strengthen the Council’s ability to address the unique opportunities and challenges facing fisheries throughout the U.S. Pacific Islands.”
The appointments come as federal fisheries policy continues to evolve. Recent actions by the Administration, including reopening portions of Pacific Marine National Monuments to commercial fishing, have renewed attention on strengthening domestic seafood production and reducing reliance on imports. NMFS estimates that approximately 80% of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong domestic fishing industry.
Federally managed fisheries throughout the U.S. Pacific Islands — including Hawaiʻi’s pelagic longline, bottomfish and other fisheries — are managed using science-based conservation measures. Fishermen comply with catch reporting, vessel monitoring, observer and electronic monitoring programs, protected species mitigation requirements and international conservation measures. In Hawaiʻi, pelagic fisheries generated nearly $120 million in commercial dockside revenue in 2025, reflecting their significant contribution to the state’s economy and locally landed seafood supply.
The appointments take effect on August 11. Council members serve staggered three-year terms and may be reappointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to three consecutive terms.
The Council remains committed to conserving fishery resources while supporting sustainable commercial, recreational and subsistence fisheries throughout the U.S. Pacific Islands.