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.

May 13, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

SUMMARY: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Council) is soliciting services to support its Climate Change and Communities Program (CCCP). Contractors and services are required to carry out projects included in the CCCP as supported through NOAA’s Inflation Reduction Act funding. Contract services will support the three work items below (See Scope of Work for additional details):

 

1. Integrating Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge into Adaptive Fisheries Governance – Contractor(s) will develop and implement a technology-based (web or app) data portal that fishermen can use to record on-the-water fisheries and ecosystem observations on a real-time basis. Information collected throughout the year will supplement the ecosystem information gathered through the Council’s established annual fishermen’s observation meeting and monthly Advisory Panel meetings. Information is included in the Council’s Annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report on the fisheries. 
2. Fisher Resilience Compact: A Co-Managed Crisis Response Framework –Contractor and facilitator will coordinate and host a Pacific Islands Regional Workshop to explore the development of a formal governance compact between fishers, local fishery agencies, the Council, and emergency response entities. The agreement will allow the Council to better structure its management framework to process, adapt and respond quickly and effectively to mitigate fishing community impacts from climate, natural and other disasters.
3. Shark Depredation/Mitigation Workshop to Align Local and Federal Regulations to Improve Shark Management and Educate Fishing Communities – Contractor(s) will use outcomes from the international workshop held in Honolulu on February 10-11, 2026, to support follow-up work addressing increased shark depredation in Pacific Island demersal and pelagic fisheries. The contractor(s) will help advance the workshop-identified needs to educate the fishing community on shark regulations, reporting and mitigation, and to better align local and federal shark governance. 

 

Interested people or entities should submit one (1) proposal clearly identifying which of the three service items listed above to which they are applying. Proposals can target any single service item or combination thereof. Contracts will be structured on a time and materials basis. Applicants shall include a narrative of the work to be done, timeline for completion and budget for each service item included in the proposal. Proposals must be emailed to info@wpcouncil.org before 5:00 p.m. May 26, 2026. 

 

CONTRACT SERVICE: This is a time and material-based contract. Proposals must include an hourly rate for all individuals included in the project(s).  

 

CONTRACT PERIOD: The contract will begin after June 1, 2026, and end October 31, 2026.

 

SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor(s) will work closely with Council staff and coordinating committees to carry out the projects as included in this solicitation. See Additional Information below for a detailed Scope of Work for each of the three projects listed above. 

 

ELIGIBILITY: The potential contractor must:

1. Possess a detailed working knowledge of the Magnuson-Steven Act and other policies, regulations, and guidance documents relating to marine resource management and conservation in the Pacific Islands Region; 
2. Be familiar with the responsibilities of the Council and its advisory bodies, as well as Pacific Islands community cultures and natural resources;
3. Be familiar with state/territorial and federal fishery agencies, and fishing and seafood communities in the Western Pacific;
4. Have knowledge of current fisheries science, research, data collection and management, U.S. Pacific Islands cultures, marine conservation, management and environmental laws and use of technology in today’s fisheries;
5. Have the ability to communicate and work effectively with staff, Council members, institution and agency fishery scientists, fishery administrators and the fishing community;
6. Have the ability to plan, organize and successfully complete work in situations that require coordination and management of numerous diverse demands and tasks, attention to detail and deliver high quality products under short timelines;
7. Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communications and standard personal computer software;
8. Be able to travel as required for each project; and
9. Have/address additional criteria included in the Additional Information for the Scope of Work below, where applicable. 

 

REQUIREMENTS: The contractor will work independently and coordinate with Council staff to meet deliverable timelines. Proposals must include an hourly billing rate for each individual working on the project and will be evaluated on a competitive basis based on meeting eligibility criteria as stated above. Selected contractor begins contract in June 2026 and must complete the project by October 31, 2026.

 

HOW TO APPLY: Submissions should include a proposal with the following items (maximum 5 pages): a. Name, affiliation, and contact information of the principal contractor(s); b. Brief statement on contractor’s experience and ability to address the requirements as stated in the Scope of Work; c. Estimated time required to effectively support the Scope of Work; and d. Curriculum vitae or resume for each project participant (does not count toward the 5-page limit).

 

Proposals may be submitted by e-mail (attach materials in PDF files) to info@wpcouncil.org or regular mail to: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813.

 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Proposals will be welcome until May 26, 2026, or until a contractor is engaged.

Additional Information on Project Scope of Work 

and Eligibility Criteria

1. Integrating Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge into Adaptive Fisheries Governance

Contractor will work with Council staff and advisors to develop an integrated Council-hosted web-based portal linked through social media platforms to gather ecological fishery information from Pacific Island fishermen and ocean users. The web portal will collect ecological, fishery, social, economic and market-related information consistent with that collected through the Council’s annual fishermen’s observation program and monthly Advisory Panel meetings. Promotion of the portal will be through regular meetings of the Council’s advisory bodies and other public meetings, continuation of community consultation meetings, popular fishing social media platforms and other Council outreach and education activities/events. 

Expected Outcomes:

• Web-based portal (WordPress) to receive information from ocean users’ replicable model for integrating real-time fishermen observations into formal fisheries monitoring and evaluation. 
• Popular place-based social media platforms (e.g., WhatsApp in Mariana Islands; Facebook in American Samoa) to be used to share portal availability with the fishing, science, and policy communities. 
• Portal system must be able to generate and export an electronic report of information collected from the community. Data fields must support ecological indicator categories that align with the Council’s Annual SAFE Report format and timing. 
• Data collected through the portal must be made available through standard reports in a format compatible with Microsoft Excel or other common spreadsheet/database systems. 

 

Additional Eligibility Criteria: 

• Experience with developing and maintaining website in WordPress software. 
• Working knowledge and experience programming websites to create a user-friendly public interface to collect fishery and ecosystem information/data.

 

2.  Fisher Resilience Compact: A Co-Managed Crisis Response Framework 

 

This project will develop a co-managed framework between the fishing community and government agencies to standardize a crisis response to support food security resulting from natural disasters, economic shutdowns, or climate-related emergencies. A Fisher Resilience Compact formalizes how fishers and agencies will communicate, mobilize, gather critical social and economic impact information, and deliver community relief, ensuring that local knowledge and capacity are recognized as integral to community governance and resilience infrastructure. 

 

The contractor will research and source information on programs that provide fishing community disaster relief funding, including eligibility criteria and information needed to determine social and economic losses. The contractor will plan, coordinate and host a multi-day workshop in Honolulu which will explore and develop a formal governance compact between fishers, local fishery agencies, Council, and emergency response entities. The contractor will work with Council staff to identify and select up to four representatives from each island area (Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI) to participate in the workshop. Workshop participants will consider availability of baseline information on local fisheries, infrastructure, service industries, seafood markets and other ancillary sectors tied to thriving fisheries. As the fisheries provide food to communities, it is critical to understand how these disaster events affect the social and economic contribution of fisheries, seafood networks and the broader island communities. The outcome of this initiative will be a co-managed governance structure for future crisis response and a Memorandum of Understanding to be reviewed by Council’s Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committees and other advisory bodies, and adopted by the Council. 

 

Expected Outcomes:

• Report on information availability to establish a baseline from which social and economic loss can be calculated resulting from impacts from natural disasters. 
• Fisher Resilience Compact Memorandum of Understanding to consider:  
• Activation Protocols: How fishers are mobilized within local emergency operations.
• Governance Structure: Roles, responsibilities, and decision authority between fishers, agencies, and partners.
• Communication & Data Systems: Rapid information collection and sharing on harbor status, fish availability, and ocean conditions.
• Relief Coordination Pathways: Clear methods to distribute fish through the Fish for the People initiative.
• Policy Integration: How this Compact is institutionalized within the Council, local agencies, Civil Defense, and NOAA recovery/disaster relief frameworks.
• Crisis Governance Playbook mapping decision authority, communication, and response pathways.
• Scenario-planning framework to train future responders and fishers.
• White paper and policy brief informing the Council, NOAA, and state resilience plans.
• Present to the Council and advisory bodies, as required. 

Additional Eligibility Criteria: 

• Experience working with first responders and agencies/organizations with responsibility of responding to natural disasters.
• Experience working with fishing and seafood communities that have experience navigating the impacts of natural disasters in the Pacific Islands.

 

3.  Shark Depredation/Mitigation Workshop to Align Local and Federal Regulations to Improve Governance and Educate Fishing Communities

 

Working from the outcomes from the International Shark Depredation/Mitigation Workshop held February 10-11, 2026, in Honolulu, the contractor will coordinate with Council staff and facilitate a Hawai‘i Shark Governance and Education workshop to improve alignment of federal and local shark regulations, monitoring/data collection of shark depredation and education on shark species. 

 

The workshop will include representatives from Hawai‘i’s fishing community, local and federal management, monitoring and enforcement agencies, scientists, private businesses, and Council advisors. Council staff will work with the contractor to develop the workshop agenda, produce briefing materials and documents, identify workshop participants, and coordinate the workshop with help from a facilitator. 

 

Expectations and Outcomes: 

• Workshop should provide participants with the opportunity to: 
• Review and discuss in detail the federal and state regulatory regimes currently in place for shark harvest, sale and interactions. 
• Evaluate the monitoring programs and data collected on the harvest, sale and fishery interactions with sharks in the Hawai‘i archipelago.
• Develop educational tools for the fishing community to better identify shark species and report shark interaction and depredation occurring in Hawai‘i fisheries. 
• Report on the outcomes of the Hawai‘i Shark Governance and Education Workshop.
• Present to the Council and advisory bodies, as required.