Saving Seafood

Fishing Prohibitions Unfair: Council Pushes for Analysis of Fishing in Marine Monuments

December 17, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council today took another step toward restoring sustainable commercial fishing in waters within several Pacific marine national monuments, considered pristine when they were established. The Council directed its staff to continue analyzing existing regulations in the Pacific Islands Heritage, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments (MNMs), with a final recommendation planned for consideration at its March 2026 meeting.

 Recent presidential directives have instructed federal agencies to identify ways to reduce regulatory burdens and expand opportunities for commercial fishing in monument waters. In response, the Council is preparing a range of options aimed at returning commercial fishing to these areas under sustainable management.

 “Prior to the establishment of the monument in 2009, we stewarded our own waters. With the monument, only the feds are in charge and no one else has a say,” said Council member Nathan Ilaoa, director of American Samoa’s Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. “This initiative before the Council provides an opportunity to talk about how the people want to manage their resources rather, than being told what to do by the feds,” he said. The Council also supported a recommendation to ask the president not to use the Antiquities Act to manage fisheries in federal waters.

 Ilaoa said monument fishing prohibitions undermine the people’s ability to fish and provide food for the community. “Pacific Island people are unfairly required to bear the burden of the country’s environmental guilt, and the monuments represent a large inequality in how our peoples are treated,” he said.

 Council members wrestled with potential enhanced management measures and stressed the need for additional data. Council Chair Will Sword said, “If you don’t go fishing, you can’t get the data.” Council member Gene Weaver added, “The Council’s existing regulations provide more than adequate protection, and we can learn from the fishing that occurs to determine if anything more is needed.” Members emphasized that if commercial fishing is restored, it must be done the right way: under existing federal fishery management authority, with strong monitoring and clear performance measures.

 An important part of the Council’s fishery management decision-making process is the opportunity for community members to provide their input on issues discussed. During the public comment period, commenters were split: several supported reopening monument waters, especially the Marianas Trench, if done cautiously under enhanced regulations (gear and catch limits, protected-species measures, strong monitoring) and paired with baseline studies and adaptive management to support local livelihoods and food security. Others urged no action and keeping existing protections, particularly for Rose Atoll and Papahānaumokuākea, citing the areas’ sacred cultural importance, concerns about inadequate consultation and legal authority, and potential ecological harm.

The Council acknowledged letters to NOAA from the governors of American Samoa and the CNMI supporting fishing. However, one member expressed disappointment with the governor of Hawaiʻi’s letter to NOAA to keep fishing prohibitions in the Papahānaumokuākea and Pacific Islands Heritage MNMs. He argued that locally based, well-managed fisheries are integral to Hawaiʻi’s food security and economic fabric, and noted that the state’s longline fisheries represent its largest agricultural product. He urged greater consideration of Hawaiʻi’s fishermen in any decisions affecting these waters. 

By the numbers:

  • Wild-caught pelagic fisheries in the Western Pacific generated around $108 million in revenue in 2024, including about $105 million from the Hawaiʻi longline fishery (2024 Council Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation report). 
  • Hawaiʻi’s seafood consumption is among the highest in the United States, estimated at more than twice the national average. Once local catch is transformed into value-added products like poke, its economic contribution grows even further.
  • For context across primary production in Hawaiʻi, USDA reports 2024 values of ~$53 million for coffee and ~$42 million for macadamia nuts. 

The Council also recommended the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) provide funding to the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center to implement cooperative research that partners with commercial fishers to collect baseline information in monument waters.

The Council also endorsed Scientific and Statistical Committee research priorities, including:

  • Collecting catch/bycatch data suitable for model-based evaluation of policy impacts 
  • Assessing foreign fishing impacts versus domestic fishing near U.S. waters
  • Tagging/telemetry and other low-impact research to evaluate species movement
  • Assessing monument-related fishery impacts on markets
  • Co-designing research with fishing and indigenous communities, as appropriate

Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds said research funding is needed to keep fisheries sustainable and protected. “While it is NMFS’s job to do research, funds are not available because the administration has to deal with other pressing issues,” said Simonds. “Organizations that helped the government establish the monuments have an obligation to help make this happen.”

What’s next

Council staff will complete the requested analyses and draft Fishery Ecosystem Plan amendment alternatives for review ahead of the March meeting, where the Council is expected to take further action on restoring access and finalizing a durable management path forward.

NMFS is expected to share Executive Order 14276 public comments with the Council by early January 2026, followed by January discussions with NMFS on comment summaries and prioritizing next steps, consistent with NOAA guidance from Eugenio Piñeiro Soler.

2026–2029 CNMI Bottomfish Catch Limits

The Council recommended setting the annual catch limit (ACL) for the CNMI bottomfish fishery at 72,000 pounds and the annual catch target (ACT) at 66,000 pounds for 2026–2029. These specifications are based on the results of the NMFS 2025 stock assessment update, along with application of the Council’s P* and SEEM analyses to account for scientific and management uncertainty. The ACT was set below the ACL to provide a management buffer that helps prevent the fishery from exceeding the ACL, ensuring catches remain within sustainable limits.

How to Join the Council Meeting

The Council meeting continues virtually tomorrow, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hawai‘i time with an Endangered Species Act review for the Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery, vessel electronic monitoring and more. The agenda includes scheduled public comment periods.  

 Online: https://tinyurl.com/205CouncilMtg, Event password: CM205mtg

 Get the full agenda & documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/205th-council-meeting-virtual-2

SSC to Review Marine Monuments, Monitoring and False Killer Whale Science at Meeting This Week

December 9, 2025 — This week’s Dec. 9–11, 2025, virtual meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will bring together experts to review current research on Pacific fisheries, protected species and ocean management, and to translate that science into advice for future Council decisions.

Highlights include:

Commercial Fishing Regulations in the Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll and Marianas Trench Marine National Monuments: In response to Executive Order 14276 and subsequent Council direction, the SSC will provide scientific advice on the feasibility of lifting existing fishing restrictions and evaluate potential impacts to marine resources in the monuments. The SSC may also identify additional management measures and research needs to be considered before and after any resumption of commercial fishing activities.

The SSC will review the current state of knowledge on large open-ocean marine protected areas in the Western Pacific Region, drawing on recent peer-reviewed studies. This synthesis of scientific results, benefits, limitations and trade-offs of large, closed areas is intended to inform the Council’s consideration of future management options for the marine national monuments and identify priority research gaps.

Electronic Monitoring: The SSC will hear an update on the rollout of electronic monitoring in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries, including outcomes from the first workshop on vessel monitoring plans (VMPs) and implementation timelines. Members will have the opportunity to weigh in on issues affecting vessel operators and the use of data for fishery monitoring and other applicable law. The discussion will continue with a finalized VMP template for potential endorsement in March.

SSC Special Projects Working Group Reports: The SSC Protected Species Working Group will provide an update on alternative ways to assess how commercial fisheries may affect species such as false killer whales, oceanic whitetip sharks, and leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles. The discussion will focus on different approaches and data needs, with a final report expected in March.

The committee will also hear an initial status update on the multi-species stock assessment strategies process for bottomfish, as National Marine Fisheries Service scientists work with fishermen, managers and partners to apply the new framework for grouping species and using indicator species in future stock assessments.

False Killer Whale Abundance Estimates: The SSC will discuss the latest scientific study on the abundance estimates of endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale population. Members will discuss the implications of the findings for fishery management and identify priority research and monitoring needs.

How to Join Virtual Meeting

Online: https://tinyurl.com/158SSCMtg, Event password: SSC158mtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/158th-scientific-and-statistical-committee-meeting-virtual

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet virtually Dec. 16-17, 2025, www.wpcouncil.org/event/205th-council-meeting-virtual-2.

Fishing Industry Members Advise Managers on Proposed Sanctuaries and Other Issues Important to Western Pacific Region

March 11, 2022 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC) met today to provide advice and recommendations to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council when it meets March 22-24.

NWHI and Marianas Trench Proposed Sanctuaries

The FIAC recommended the Council develop fishing regulations for the proposed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands sanctuary that would allow fishing to continue in as much of the sanctuary as possible. The Committee also asked NMFS to clearly identify spatial boundaries in the fishery compliance guides that include monuments and sanctuaries so fishermen clearly understand where fishing is/is not allowed. Commercial fisherman Kenton Greer expressed his concern with extending the proposed sanctuary boundaries to Middle Bank, as it is an important area for Kauai fishermen.

Regarding the potential development of a national marine sanctuary in the Northern Mariana Islands, the FIAC recommended the Council keep the fishing community informed since it would overlay the existing marine national monument and may expand fishing area closures.

Roundtable Discussion

FIAC members provided updates on the status of the fishing, seafood and related industries, continuing and upcoming issues and changes that may impact the community. “The market has rebounded in 2022 with the stability that comes from restaurants reopening and more consistent airline flights, supporting up to 20,000 pounds a day of swordfish,” said Michael Goto, FIAC chair and United Fishing Agency auction manager. Hawaii Longline Association (HLA) Executive Director Eric Kingma noted, “there was a significantly lower bigeye tuna catch rate in 2021, 40% less than the historical high in 2015 when catch was 20 million pounds landed.”

WCPFC Pacific Strategy

The FIAC endorsed the new Pacific strategy developed to address Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) issues through a more holistic approach, tying the prosperity of U.S. fisheries in the Pacific with broader geopolitical interests of the nation. Council staff and advisers have developed an information paper that emphasizes the importance of fisheries to the Pacific Islands community and their strategic importance to U.S. national interests.

“There needs to be a better way to negotiate – the relationship between the United States and small island nations has not been strong lately,” said American Samoa fishing vessel owner Stuart Chikami. “There have been recurring issues with compliance, and the Commission has been more focused on economics of a few members, rather than its intended objectives.”

The FIAC recommended U.S. advisors to the WCPFC address this strategy at their next series of meetings and work in coordination with longline and purse seine fishing industries.

During the public discussion, American Samoa Dept. of Marine and Wildlife Resources Director Archie Soliai acknowledged the longline (HLA) and purse seine (American Tunaboat Association) vessel owners for supporting the territory, noting it owes a great debt to these industries.

Equity and Environmental Justice

FIAC members recommended that the Council approve the draft Western Pacific Equity and Environmental Justice (EEJ) Planning Framework. The members agreed that marine national monument designations are disproportionately situated in the Western Pacific, amplifying economic impact to our region. The Council is soliciting community feedback to plan meaningful remedies in lieu of the federal government’s EEJ priorities. The Biden Administration is prioritizing addressing inequities for underserved communities, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, with a “whole of government” approach.

The FIAC is one of three advisory bodies to the Council required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act that provides input and recommendations on management and conservation actions from an industry perspective. Members include representatives from Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in industry-related sectors such as fishing, seafood processing, distribution and marketing industries, fishing tackle and marine service and supply providers.

Recommendations made by the FIAC on these and other matters will be considered by the Council when it meets March 22-24, 2022, virtually, with host sites at Tedi of Samoa Building, Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, American Samoa; BRI Building, Suite 205, Kopa Di Oru St., Garapan, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI); and Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Dr., Hagatña, Guam. Instructions on connecting to the web conference, agendas and briefing documents are posted at https://www.wpcouncil.org/meetings-calendars. Host sites are subject to local and federal safety and health guidelines regarding COVID-19; check the Council website for updates.

Fishing Industry Advisory Committee: Michael Goto (United Fishing Agency) (chair), Stuart Chikami (Western Pacific Fisheries), Kenton Greer (commercial fisherman); Vince Haleck (Tautai O Samoa Association); Jonathan Hurd (Malolo Adventures); John Kaneko (Hawaii Seafood Council); Eric Kingma (Hawaii Longline Association); Michael Lee (Garden & Valley Isle Seafood); Sean Martin (POP Fishing and Marine); Baron Miho (Annasea Hawaii); Lino Sablan Tenorio (Tenorio & Associates); Josh Schade (Ahi Assassins); Kerry Umamoto (Hilo Fish Company); Mike Yonemura (Diamond Head Seafood Wholesale).

 

Interior, Commerce Departments Seek Comments in Marine Monuments Review

May 8, 2017 — SEAFOOD NEWS — The Department of the Interior announced Friday the public would be allowed to weigh in on several monument designations made under the Antiquities Act — including several marine monuments.

The Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Interior, will review public comments related to marine monuments, all but one of which are in the Pacific Ocean. This action is related to President Trump’s executive order 13795, relating to offshore energy and monuments review.

The marine monuments slated for review include:

  • Marianas Trench, listed in 2009, at 61 million acres, in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands/Pacific Ocean;
  • Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, listed in 2016 at 3.1 million acres, in Atlantic Ocean;
  • Pacific Remote Islands, listed in 2009 at 56 million acres;
  • Papahanaumokuakea, listed in 2006 and expanded in 2016 at 89.6 million acres, in Hawaii/Pacific Ocean; and
  • Rose Atoll, listed in 2009 at 8.6 million acres, in American Samoa/Pacific Ocean.

A public comment period is not required for monument designations under the Antiquities Act; however, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and President Trump both strongly believe that local input is a critical component of federal land management, Zinke said in a press release Friday.

“The Department of the Interior is the steward of America’s greatest treasures and the manager of one-fifth of our land. Part of being a good steward is being a good neighbor and listening to the American people who we represent,” Zinke said in the statement. “Today’s action, initiating a formal public comment process finally gives a voice to local communities and states when it comes to Antiquities Act monument designations. There is no pre-determined outcome on any monument. I look forward to hearing from and engaging with local communities and stakeholders as this process continues.”

In making the requisite determinations, the secretary is directed to consider the requirements and original objectives of the Antiquities Act, including the size of the monument; whether the areas are appropriately classified as landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures or other objects of historic or scientific interest; the effects of a designation on the available uses of the areas; the effects of designation on the use and enjoyment of non-federal lands within or beyond the monument boundaries; the concerns of state, tribal and local governments, including the economic development of affected states, tribes and localities; and the ability of federal resources to properly manage designated areas.

Comments may be submitted online after May 12 at http://www.regulations.gov by entering “DOI-2017-0002” in the Search bar and clicking “Search,” or by mail to Monument Review, MS-1530, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.

This story originally appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.