July 1, 2023 — Day two of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting, hosted by American Samoa this week, allowed members of the public to speak on fishery issues that concern them. And it became apparent that their main concern is with the proposal to establish a new sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Islands (PRI). Their comments yesterday focused on their fears of losing jobs, income and homes, of unpaid loans happening, going out of business, etc. Many were StarKist workers. The public was given 3 minutes on the ‘mike’.
Quite a few of StarKist Samoa workers were on hand carrying placards outside, that spoke of their opposition to the proposal. They did not carry them inside the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium where the council meeting was being held, but the signs were placed against the back wall inside, while workers sat in the public area.
Some of the StarKist workers went to the ‘mike’ to voice their opinions and they were all against the proposed establishment of a Sanctuary in the PRIA.
SOME COMMUNITY VOICES
Tafaoga Tuua, an employee of Star Kist for 24 years, said there’s not enough fishing vessels supplying the cannery. And if the US government continues with its plans then there won’t be enough fish for them to work on; there’d be an increase in cost, workers would be laid off, and without income, the rental accommodation business will go broke. “So we don’t support the President’s proposed Sanctuary,” she said, “Please allow the American fishing boats to come.”
She also spoke for workers from Samoa, who are here to work and earn a living for not only themselves, but for their families in Samoa. “And we all oppose this plan, as this is the only company that helps us… Every day before we start, we pray to God to save this company for us — StarKist is the only company we get money from.”