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.

June 11, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

“ʻUa fetaui lelei fola o le ʻalia,” a Samoan proverb meaning “The deck planks of the voyaging canoe fit together well.” Gov. Pulaʻaliʻi Nikolao Pula of American Samoa shared this proverb during opening remarks at the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting on June 9, 2026. The governor related it to the work of the Council. Just as the ancestors of the Pacific Islands crossed great oceans, no single plank carries the canoe alone. The Council, composed of members from American Samoa, Hawaiʻi, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, brings together its cultures, knowledge and traditions to make collective decisions that shape fisheries policy across the region.

 Gov. Pula stressed the importance of the tuna industry to American Samoa and that the Council’s decisions on tuna management will have significant impacts on the territory. The need to be fairly recognized in the upcoming allocation of South Pacific albacore tuna was made clear. “American Samoa has a long history in this fishery, and an economic dependence on it,” he said. “We need to sustain a truly domestic tuna fishery for generations to come.”

 In response to the governor’s concerns, the Council recommended that the National Marine Fisheries Service develop a conservation and management measure to provide American Samoa with an allocation of South Pacific albacore. The allocation should be transferable to provide funding for fisheries development in the territory. The Council also recommended exploring additional funding mechanisms to ensure fisheries can continue to support American Samoa and the broader Western Pacific region.

 Gov. Pula also honored the Council’s Executive Director, Seutaʻatia Kitty Simonds, with a Sua Faʻatamaliʻi, or chiefly offering, for her service to the territory. Aunuʻu High Talking Chief Mago likened Seutaʻatia’s return to American Samoa to the toloa, or gray duck (Anas superciliosa), seen only in Aunuʻu, where the Seuta’atia title originates, saying, “E lele le toloa ae maʻau i le vai,” or “The toloa bird flies far, but always returns home to the water.” Much like the toloa instinctively returns to familiar waters, Seutaʻatia has returned to Aunuʻu over the years — a testament to her commitment to listen to the voices of the people about their critical fishery issues and on the health and well-being of the community.

Seutaʻatia was deeply touched and expressed her gratitude to the governor and the people of American Samoa. “This was a wonderful surprise and I hope I have fulfilled my obligations to the people of American Samoa. I am native Hawaiian but I am always happy to come back to American Samoa, the cradle of Polynesian civilization,” she said. 

Bestowed upon Simonds in 2006 by Lauvao Stephen Haleck, Seuaʻatia is the honorific taupou (chiefess) title of Aunuʻu’s highest ranking chief, Lutali. As told in oral traditions, “Seu” refers to the person who steers the canoe during voyages; once the canoe arrives ashore and docks at the beach, the oars are then laid down (“Taʻatia”) inside the boat. This is a sign that a voyage, which faced the crashing waves of the open ocean, has successfully reached its destination.

 Before the Council meeting, Council members were welcomed to American Samoa by the Office of Samoan Affairs with a traditional ʻava ceremony. The ceremony is a traditional Samoan ritual of welcome and honor involving the preparation and sharing of the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). Reserved for distinguished guests, it marks their formal reception into the community. Vaiutusala Sataua Samuelu, deputy secretary of Samoan Affairs, expressed his gratitude to Seutaʻatia and the Council for engaging through proper cultural channels, recognizing the importance of working through traditional leaders to welcome and receive distinguished guests onto the land. 

 The celebrations coincide with the Council marking the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which created the eight regional fishery management councils in 1976.

 The Council concludes its meeting Thursday at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in Utulei.

June 5, 2026 — The following was released by the the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold its 207th meeting June 9–11, 2026, at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in American Samoa to discuss major fishery issues affecting the territory and the wider Pacific.

A key focus will be South Pacific albacore tuna, an important fishery for American Samoa’s longline fleet, cannery and supporting businesses. The Council will review tuna allocation scenarios and criteria being developed through the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, where international negotiations are underway. For American Samoa, the discussion centers on ensuring the territory’s fleet has meaningful access under any future regional catch limits. This access could help restore South Pacific albacore as a viable fishery for one of the last truly island-based albacore operations in the Pacific. 

“The Council is working to make sure American Samoa receives a fair share of any South Pacific albacore allocation to revive our local longline fleet,” said Council Chair Nathan Ilaoa. “South Pacific albacore and the tuna industry do more than support fishing jobs. They help lower the cost of fuel, electricity and shipping for our islands, while strengthening food security and sustaining a Pacific Island fishery that operates under strong U.S. standards.”

The Council will also receive updates from the BOEM and NOAA’s National Ocean Service on proposed deep-sea mineral mining near American Samoa and in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area of the high seas outside the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Federal agencies are reviewing mining interest in the Pacific, while Council advisors, community members and local leaders have raised concerns about potential impacts to fisheries, ocean ecosystems and future generations. The Council may provide comments or recommendations on deep-sea mining activities in the Western Pacific. 

Other agenda items include outcomes from the first Bigeye Tuna Management Procedure Workshop, held in May, and an update on electronic monitoring implementation for the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. Electronic monitoring is intended to support fishery data collection and improve coverage while vessels are at sea. The Council will also consider final action on annual catch limit specifications for the main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab fishery for 2027–2030. 

As part of Council meeting week, the public is invited to attend the Fishers Forum, “Fishing for Science,” Tuesday, June 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in Utulei. The free, family friendly event will show how fisheries data supports management decisions and the future of fishing in American Samoa. The evening will include informational tables, presentations and recognition for participants. 

The 207th Council meeting is open to the public, with public comment opportunities scheduled during the meeting and remote participation available by Webex.

How to Join

 In-Person: Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center, Utulei, AS

Meeting Dates: June 9-11, 2026

Fishers Forum: Tuesday, June 9, 6-8:30 p.m.

 Online: Via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/207CouncilMtg, Event password: CM207mtg

 Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/207th-council-meeting

 

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council manages fisheries in federal waters around American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawai‘i and the Pacific Remote Island Areas.

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Edgar Feliciano, Feli Fisheries Inc. (American Samoa); Pete Itibus, Saipan Fishermen’s Association (CNMI); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); Jesse Rosario, fisherman (Guam); Will Sword, American Samoa Power Authority (American Samoa) (vice chair); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Ryan Kanaka‘ole, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Nathan Ilaoa, American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources (chair); and Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Jeremy Raynal, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District; Rachel Ryan, U.S. State Dept.; and Barry Thom, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

June 5, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council completed its review of several key fisheries science and management issues at its meeting this week.

 The SSC endorsed the 2026 American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update as the best scientific information available for fishery management decisions. The Committee emphasized the need for continued improvements to fisheries stock assessment tools and encouraged the National Marine Fisheries Service to prioritize development of length-based assessment capabilities that are better suited to Pacific Island fisheries.

 The SCC also adopted a new research priority ranking protocol design to improve how fisheries science needs are identified and evaluated across the region. In addition, members endorsed the final report of the Climate Scenario Working Group and recommended its findings be considered in future Council decision-making to help fisheries adapt to changing ocean conditions.

Recognizing the importance of both commercial and community-based fishing, the SSC recommended continued evaluation of catch estimates for Hawai‘i’s deep-seven bottomfish and uku fisheries. It also supported research to better understand how socio-economic factors affect fishing activity and how fish are shared and used in local communities. 

2025 Annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Reports

The SSC heard comprehensive reports on the 2025 performance of Council-managed fisheries in the Western Pacific region. Highlights include:

In Hawai‘i, total pelagic catch declined from approximately 34 million pounds in 2024 to 32.6 million pounds in 2025. Despite the decrease in volume, higher market prices drove total revenue up by $8 million to almost $120 million. The longline fishery followed a similar pattern, with reduced catch offset by stronger prices. Notably, bigeye tuna landings increased to just over 14 million pounds, while swordfish catch also rose, softening overall declines in billfish landings.

 American Samoa experienced declines in both bottomfish and pelagic fisheries. Bottomfish landings dropped to 5,011 pounds, while pelagic catch decreased by 14.6% to 3 million pounds. Albacore catch rates in the longline fishery also declined slightly in 2025, while still above the five-year average. This follows a decline in participating longline vessels due to difficult market conditions and higher costs, although 2025 was a slight improvement from the previous year.

In Guam, bottomfish catch decreased to 33,896 pounds, although increases in fishing effort suggest continued interest. Limited commercial reporting remains a challenge, and pelagic troll landings declined sharply by 52%, likely influenced by ocean conditions. 

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands reported its lowest pelagic trolling effort in more than a decade, with total catch falling to a 10-year low of 78,161 pounds. While bottomfish catch estimates showed increases, reduced sampling effort lowered confidence in these figures. Ongoing administrative constraints continue to affect the region’s ability to fully monitor fishery performance.

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet June 9-11, 2026, at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center, Utulei, AS.

 

How to Join

 In Person: Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center, Utulei, American Samoa

 Online: Via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/207CouncilMtg, Event password: CM207mtg

 Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/207th-council-meeting

Scientific and Statistical Committee: James Lynch (chair); Debra Cabrera (University of Guam); Frank Camacho (University of Guam); Courtney Carothers (University of Alaska Fairbanks); Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Cathy Dichmont (Cathy Dichmont Consulting); Erik Franklin (University of Hawai‘i); Shelton Harley (Fisheries Consultant); Jason Helyer (Hawai‘i Div. of Aquatic Resources); Ray Hilborn (University of Washington); Alister Hunt (Finology); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant); Keena Leon Guerrero (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Div. of Fish & Wildlife); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources); Graham Pilling (The Pacific Community); Jim Roberts (Anemone Consulting); Justin Suca (University of Hawai‘i); Robin Waples (University of Washington); Charles Littnan (ex-officio) (National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center).

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Edgar Feliciano, Feli Fisheries Inc. (American Samoa); Pete Itibus, Saipan Fishermen’s Association (CNMI); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); Jesse Rosario, fisherman (Guam); Will Sword, American Samoa Power Authority (American Samoa) (vice chair); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Ryan Kanaka‘ole, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Nathan Ilaoa, American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources (chair); and Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Jeremy Raynal, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District; Rachel Ryan, U.S. State Dept.; and Barry Thom, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

May 29, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

From new approaches to estimate noncommercial catch to analyses of fishing activity around Johnston Atoll, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will take up several high-interest agenda items at its June 2–4, 2026, meeting in Honolulu.

The SSC will review recent scientific findings, ecosystem trends and fisheries performance data that could shape future management decisions for fisheries across Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Agenda Highlights

American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update

One of the meeting’s major agenda items will be the review of the 2026 stock assessment update for American Samoa bottomfish management unit species. The updated assessment incorporates nearly six decades of catch history and advanced age-structured modeling approaches to evaluate the status of key deepwater snapper species. The review panel concluded that the assessed bottomfish stocks are not overfished and are not experiencing overfishing, while also identifying several future research priorities aimed at improving species-specific assessments and refining management approaches. 

A stock assessment update applies the same scientific methods as the previous benchmark assessment, but adds newer fishery data to evaluate current stock conditions rather than rebuilding the assessment from scratch or introducing major methodological changes.

The SSC discussion will focus not only on stock status, but also on how evolving assessment methods — including next-generation fisheries modeling tools — could improve management of data-limited fisheries across the Pacific. 

Johnston Atoll Spillover and Reopening Effects Evaluation

SSC members will discuss a new Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center analysis examining whether long-term fishing closures around Johnston Atoll produced measurable spillover benefits to nearby fishing grounds. The committee will also review whether the brief 2025 reopening of portions of the marine national monument resulted in immediate catch-rate changes for the Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery.

Using 20 years of fishery logbook data and species-specific statistical models, researchers found that the effects varied by species and by spatial scale, highlighting the complexity of evaluating large marine protected areas and highly migratory pelagic species.

The discussion is expected to provide insight into how large-scale ocean closures and reopening scenarios may influence fisheries, catch rates and future management strategies in the Pacific.

SSC Special Projects Working Groups

The SSC will hear updates from two special projects working groups made up of subsets of members. The Social Valuation WG developed a scoring framework to quantify socio-cultural values of regional fisheries. The Climate Change WG will identify data gaps and uncertainties in how management unit species may respond to changing ocean conditions, which can inform future research priorities.

Measuring Noncommercial Fisheries Catch

The meeting will include presentations on efforts to better estimate noncommercial fisheries in Hawai‘i. A second year of a mail survey is underway to ask Hawai‘i fishermen about their noncommercial uku (green jobfish) catch. Preliminary results from the first year will be presented, along with work comparing methods to estimate uku commercial to noncommercial catch ratios.

The SSC will also hear about a novel method to estimate noncommercial deep-seven bottomfish catch in the main Hawaiian Islands. The current annual catch limit is based on commercial catch, with input on noncommercial catch from the Hawai‘i Marine Recreational Fishing Survey. The new approach uses the Bottomfish Vessel Registry to examine the proportion of bottomfish catch by fishers with and without commercial marine licenses and provide a correction factor to current survey estimates. 

The SSC will discuss how these approaches could be used in future stock assessments and their potential effects on acceptable biological catch and annual catch limits for the uku and main Hawaiian Islands deep-seven bottomfish fisheries.

2025 Annual SAFE Reports

The SSC will also review key points from the 2025 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports for both archipelagic and pelagic fisheries. These annual reports provide a region-wide snapshot of fishery performance, ecosystem conditions and fishery trends, helping managers evaluate changing catch rates, fishing participation and broader environmental influences affecting Pacific fisheries. Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of strong data collection, adaptive management and market stability in supporting resilient fisheries. 

Science Priorities and Research Updates 

In addition to fishery-specific agenda items, the SSC will discuss regional science and research priorities under changing budget conditions, and a next-generation stock assessment platform known as the Fisheries Integrated Modeling System. The SSC will also hear several new research updates, including a Hawai‘i shark tagging project, pelagic false killer whale abundance estimates, Hawaiian green sea turtle nesting genetics and billfish vulnerability in longline fisheries. 

How to Join

 In-Person: Council Office, 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI

 Online: Via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/160SSCMtg, Event password: SSC160mtg

 Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/160th-scientific-and-statistical-committee-meeting 

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet June 9-11, 2026, at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center, Utulei, AS, www.wpcouncil.org/event/207th-council-meeting. 

Scientific and Statistical Committee: James Lynch (chair); Debra Cabrera (University of Guam); Frank Camacho (University of Guam); Courtney Carothers (University of Alaska Fairbanks); Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Cathy Dichmont (Cathy Dichmont Consulting); Erik Franklin (University of Hawai‘i); Shelton Harley (Fisheries Consultant); Jason Helyer (Hawai‘i Div. of Aquatic Resources); Ray Hilborn (University of Washington); Alister Hunt (Finology); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant); Keena Leon Guerrero (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Div. of Fish & Wildlife); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources); Graham Pilling (The Pacific Community); Jim Roberts (Anemone Consulting); Justin Suca (University of Hawai‘i); Robin Waples (University of Washington); Charles Littnan (ex-officio) (National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center).

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Edgar Feliciano, Feli Fisheries Inc. (American Samoa); Pete Itibus, Saipan Fishermen’s Association (CNMI); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); Jesse Rosario, fisherman (Guam); Will Sword, American Samoa Power Authority (American Samoa) (vice chair); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Ryan Kanaka‘ole, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Nathan Ilaoa, American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources (chair); and Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Jeremy Raynal, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District; Rachel Ryan, U.S. State Dept.; and Barry Thom, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.