Saving Seafood

Federal regulators vote in favor of President Trump’s push for commercial fishing in marine monuments

September 17, 2025 — On Tuesday, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council voted to advance President Donald Trump’s executive order to allow commercial fishing inside the Papahanaumokuakea and Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monuments.

The decision came after dozens of Native Hawaiians, fishers, and scientists voiced opposition, including former Department of Hawaiian Home Lands director William Aila Jr.

“Great disappointment. It just means that extractive, industrial fishing takes precedent over the sacredness of Papahanaumokuakea,” Aila said. “This area has been pristine for many, many years, and the fisheries have regained their vitality. So, we would prefer to keep those areas closed off to fishing because that is our insurance policy for future generations.”

The council also voted to set limits on fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, which encompasses 490,000 square miles southwest of Hawaii.

Read the full article at Hawaii News Now

Council Responds to President Trump’s Mandates, Recommends Opening Monuments to Commercial Fishing

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

After a long day of discussion and public comments, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, at its 204th meeting today, agreed to move forward allowing commercial fishing within the four marine national monuments in the U.S. Pacific.

 With a Proclamation and Executive Order from President Trump for guidance, the Council deliberated on the impacts of commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Pacific Islands Heritage, Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments.

 “The Council is responding to the Proclamation through the Council process of the MSA. It is transparent and people have the opportunity to voice their opinions,” said Hawai‘i Council member Matt Ramsey. “If the Council takes no action, others might make the decision for us. I appreciate the opportunity to shape and reform those commercial fishing regulations.”

 The Council directed staff to prepare an analysis of management options to implement Presidential Proclamation 10918, “Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific.” The analysis, to be presented at the Council’s December meeting, will ensure sustainable harvest of fishery resources while conserving protected species and monument resources.

 During the public comment period, Joe Hamby, representing the U.S. purse seine industry, explained that the United States needs to do more to identify the origins of imported fish, especially from China, to buyers in local markets. “U.S. consumers are unknowingly supporting the highly subsidized and forced-labor Chinese fish industry,” Hamby said.

 Council Chairman Will Sword said, “U.S. fishermen need to fish in our healthy U.S. waters. The bottomline is eating our own fish.”

 Manuel Duenas, Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association, commented that in our region “there are no ‘commercial’ fishers. We are community-based fishers. The boats are owned by local families and fish for the benefit of the community.”

 Strong opposition to removing commercial fishing prohibitions came from multiple members of academia, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group. Concerns expressed were that commercial fishing would endanger protected species, ignore cultural values and harm the ecosystem.

 Kanoe Morishige, Assistant Professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, said, “Papahānaumokuākea is not a realm for extraction,” and that “commercial extraction conflicts with what binds Hawaiians to the seascape.”

 There are multiple opportunities for public comment through the Council process. Anyone interested can provide comments via email: info@wpcouncil.org and learn more at the Council’s website: www.wpcouncil.org.

Council to Decide on Fishing in the Monuments and Seafood Policy at Upcoming Meeting

September 12, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

At its 204th meeting next week, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will decide whether to recommend lifting commercial fishing prohibitions in parts of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. 

On April 17, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Proclamation 10918, “Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific.” The Proclamation recognized that well-managed commercial fishing would not threaten the monument’s scientific and historic resources. The Secretary of Commerce was directed to remove the prohibitions on commercial fishing barring U.S. fishermen from sustainably harvesting valuable species in these waters for more than a decade.

 Fishing regulations for the Hawai‘i longline fleet have been in place since 1991 under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The Council may consider additional regulations to reopen access from 50 to 200 nautical miles around Wake, Johnston and Jarvis Islands — waters where U.S. fishermen harvested bottomfish, pelagic species and crustaceans before the 2014 prohibitions. Members will also review their request to the Secretary of Commerce to allow commercial fishing in Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench Islands Unit and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments.

The Governors of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and American Samoa have asked the President to restore fishing access to the monuments in their areas. 

 The Council meeting provides the public an opportunity to weigh in on how the United States balances conservation with responsible, sustainable fishing access.

In addition to monument fishing access, the Council will discuss a wide range of issues affecting Pacific fisheries — from local catch limits and community concerns to climate adaptation, electronic monitoring and international negotiations that shape the future of seafood supply.

Community and Regional Fisheries at a Crossroads

Island communities will present their latest reports on the state of fisheries, highlighting economic pressures, infrastructure challenges and local initiatives. The Council will consider catch limits in 2026-2029 for CNMI bottomfish based on the latest scientific assessments, and hear concerns from Hawai‘i small-boat fishers about gear conflicts and shark depredation. 

Adapting to Changing Environments and Building Resilience

Through projects funded under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Council is helping Pacific fisheries prepare for a changing environment. Members will receive updates on scenario planning for longline and small-boat fisheries, regulatory reviews aimed at making management more flexible, and workshops exploring climate-driven impacts on protected species. Community engagement remains at the heart of these projects, ensuring that local voices guide adaptation strategies.

Modernizing Monitoring and Strengthening Accountability

As fisheries move toward electronic monitoring and new vessel management plans, the Council will evaluate progress in Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fleets. These advances aim to improve transparency and data collection while reducing costs currently covered by NMFS through 2027, and improving monitoring of rare events like protected species interactions.

Global Fisheries, Local Impacts

International negotiations on tuna, shark and bycatch management have direct consequences for Pacific Island fisheries. The Council will hear outcomes from advisory bodies to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). 

 

Members will discuss import provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, yet to be implemented since Congress approved the Act in 1972. The provisions are intended to prevent imports of foreign fishery products that lack protections equivalent to the MMPA to reduce bycatch and protect marine mammals. New findings published Sept. 2, 2025, will be enforced starting Jan. 1, 2026, barring imports of seafood (such as tuna) from non-compliant nations. The Council will discuss whether the findings are adequate and where there are any impacts to local markets in the U.S. Pacific Islands.

Why Attend?

The Council’s decisions affect the livelihoods of fishers, the availability of fresh local seafood, the resilience of island communities and the health of Pacific ecosystems. By attending, the public can learn about proposed actions, provide input and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of fisheries in the region.

How to Join

 In-Person: Ala Moana Hotel, Garden Lanai (410 Atkinson St., Honolulu, HI)

 Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/204CouncilMtg, Event password: CM204mtg

 Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/204th-council-meeting

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Will Sword, American Samoa Power Authority (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Edgar Feliciano, Feli Fisheries Inc. (American Samoa); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); Jesse Rosario, Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association (Guam); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, 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; and Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture. 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 14th District; and Rachel Ryan, U.S. State Dept.

Scientific Committee Recommends CNMI Bottomfish Catch, Highlights Key Research Challenges for Pacific Fisheries

September 15, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) concluded its 157th meeting this week, providing key scientific recommendations to the Council on bottomfish management, climate impacts, bycatch and new ocean research issues.

The SSC recommended setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) for the CNMI bottomfish fishery for 2026–2029 at 72,000 pounds. This was based on a NMFS 2025 stock assessment update and revised uncertainty analyses. The assessment found that the fishery is healthy, with neither overfishing occurring nor the stock overfished. Average catches in recent years have been well below the recommended ABC, reducing the risk of exceeding sustainable limits.

 Beyond bottomfish, the SSC advanced several other areas of importance.

Research Priorities for 2026

After reviewing research priorities, the SSC agreed the most pressing areas for 2026 are: (1) mitigation of depredation, notably from sharks, (2) the need to improve false killer whale stock assessments to reflect the range of the stock, and (3) the need to evaluate impacts of large closed areas, such as marine national monuments. These priorities address the top management challenges that the region’s small-boat fisheries, as well as longline fisheries, face in advancing sustainable U.S. fisheries, ensuring food security and supporting the resilience of Pacific Island communities.

 Shark depredation on catch in small-boat fisheries has become a pervasive problem across the region. The SSC heard a presentation from Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology researchers on their plans for studies aimed at reducing depredation in fisheries and improving human safety. Experiments are testing a range of devices, with a focus on electromagnetic stimuli. While encouraged by this line of research, the SSC noted the importance of linking new tools with fishery-specific applications.

 The SSC also recommended revising the Council’s 2025-2029 Research Priorities Plan to strengthen fishery efficiency, promote development and build capacity in the region. These recommendations respond to recent executive orders that call for removing barriers to U.S. fisheries, such as restrictions in monument waters and burdensome regulations, and improving the global competitiveness of American fisheries.

 Spatial Closure Impacts on Protected Species

The SSC reviewed a recently published study on the Southern Exclusion Zone (SEZ) closure near the main Hawaiian Islands, established to reduce false killer whale interactions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The SSC concluded that the study provides empirical evidence that the SEZ closures can have potential unintended effects of effort displacement on protected species interactions. While the analysis showed no clear effect on false killer whale interactions, the interaction risk with other protected species increased as a result of the closure. This effect was pronounced for species found in higher densities to the south of the SEZ, such as oceanic whitetip sharks and olive ridley turtles. The SSC recommended that potential unintended impacts on protected species be evaluated when designing future spatial measures.

Improving Stock Assessments for Multi-Species Fisheries

The SSC endorsed an updated regional framework for bottomfish assessments and recommended further investment in advanced modeling approaches that account for fisher behavior, costs and environmental variability.

 Deep-Sea Mining and Fisheries Impacts

The SSC heard two contrasting presentations on seabed mining. University of Hawai‘i Professor Dr. Jeff Drazen outlined risks from traditional mining methods, including massive sediment plumes, toxic metal release and long-term seafloor damage — all of which could affect fisheries and seafood safety. Impossible Metals described a proposed project in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around American Samoa using autonomous robots to selectively collect nodules without plumes or heavy seafloor disturbance. While potentially less harmful, uncertainties remain.

 Community and Cultural Considerations in Science

The SSC adopted guiding principles for incorporating ecological, social, cultural, and economic information into its recommendations, ensuring that indigenous and fishing community knowledge is considered alongside scientific data.

 

The Council will consider the SSC’s recommendations at its 204th meeting starting tomorrow, where it will make final decisions on catch levels and other management actions.

 

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: Will Sword, American Samoa Power Authority (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Edgar Feliciano, Feli Fisheries Inc. (American Samoa); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); Jesse Rosario, Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association (Guam); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, 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; and Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture. 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 14th District; and Rachel Ryan, U.S. State Dept.

Hawai‘i Island Community Consultation – Round 2 Navigating Change

August 14, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Continuing to build on conversations from the March 2025 meetings, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and partners will host the 2nd in a series of community consultation meetings on Hawai‘i Island.

EVERYONE WELCOME!

We invite fishing families and the public to participate in these vital discussions. Your voice matters as we work together to navigate changes and enhance the fishing community’s future.

The meetings will start with an Open House of agency representatives and light refreshments, followed by an overview of the Council’s community consultation effort, presentation on fishery challenges, and discussion and feedback.

 

Meeting Schedule:

East Hawai‘i

  • Date: August 22, 2025 (Friday)
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (HST)
  • Location: Ka Waihona, Island Nation – Ma Uka, Ma Kai, 196 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI
  • Main Discussion Topics: Improving Fishing Infrastructure & Access to Fisheries

West Hawai‘i

  • Date: August 23, 2025 (Saturday)
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (HST)
  • Location: West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI
  • Main Discussion Topics: Impacts of Shark Depredation, Ahi Size, Markets, and Competing Activities

Community meetings across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands will be scheduled throughout the second half of the year.

For more information, please contact Zach Yamada (zach.yamada@wpcouncil.org, www.wpcouncil.org) or Alex Min (alex.cannon.min@gmail.com, www.fishtoday.org/pacific-islands-voices). See flyers below and please help to spread the word!

About the Council

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Council is responsible for developing and implementing fishery management plans for waters surrounding Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI and U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas. The Council works to promote sustainable fisheries, protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of fishing communities through science-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

WPRFMC asks Trump to allow commercial fishing in Papahānaumokuākea

June 30, 2025 — Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to allow commercial fishing in parts of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) has asked the president to do the same for the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary.

Comprising several islands and atolls, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument was first established in 2006, and commercial fishing was banned within the monument in 2010. The monument was later expanded by former U.S. President Barack Obama to 582,578 square miles in size, making it the nation’s largest marine protected area.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Council supporting a review of monument fishing restrictions

June 25, 2025 — The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is backing federal efforts to examine commercial fishing prohibitions in marine national monuments, including the Marianas Trench, as part of a broader push to expand fishing opportunities across the Pacific island region.

The council directed staff to analyze the monuments and potential burdens placed on commercial fishing operations following Executive Order 14276, which asks the Secretary of Commerce to review marine national monuments to remove commercial fishing restrictions that may conflict with national seafood priorities. The council met June 9-11 in Honolulu.

“I think the council’s always been on record saying that the commercial fishing prohibitions are not needed,” said Joshua DeMello, fishery analyst at the council, during a recent interview with The Guam Daily Post. “Management of the area should be done rather than a complete closure.”

The executive order specifically targets monuments including Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll and the Marianas Trench for review to ensure alignment with national seafood priorities. DeMello noted that all four marine national monuments in the council’s jurisdiction were already managed under the Magnuson Act since 1976.

“All of the monuments in our area, we have four Marine National Monuments. We’re pristine, and that’s why they keep saying that they want to keep it because it’s pristine, but the fact is that all four of those areas have been managed since the 1976 Magnuson Act went into place,” DeMello said.

The council will work with its advisors to examine what has been impacted by commercial fishing prohibitions and provide analysis to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Staff recommendations are expected when NOAA issues a Federal Register notice seeking public comments, potentially as early as late July.

DeMello emphasized that the council’s role differs from environmental protection agencies, focusing instead on sustainable fishing practices that ensure long-term access to marine resources.

“The councils are there to ensure that fishing can occur forever and ever. Our job is to protect the fishing interests, whether it be non-commercial, recreational, commercial, subsistence and ensure that we’ll be able to fish forever,” he said.

Read the full article at The Guam Daily Post

Voices from the Sea: Shaping the Future of Fishing in American Samoa

June 23, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is coming to American Samoa to hear directly from the people who know the ocean best—the local fishermen. Through a series of community meetings, the Council aims to gather first-hand insights about the changes being seen in local waters and the real-life challenges faced by the fishing community. This effort is part of a two-year initiative to build stronger partnerships and support the future of fishing in American Samoa.

Key Discussion Topics: Shark depredation; Seasonal changes in fish spawning; Juvenile fish abundance; Barriers to sustaining fishing livelihoods; Access and harbor issues; Market challenges; and Executive Order 14276 – Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: Among other provisions, directs NOAA to review marine national monuments, including Rose Atoll, to ensure alignment with national seafood priorities

Meeting Schedule:

Manu‘a Residents on Tutuila Island – Tues, June 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (SST)

Sadie’s by the Sea Conference Room, Goat Island Cafe, Utulei Village

Ofu & Olosega Islands Residents – Wed, June 25, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (SST)

Conference Room at EOB, Ofu Village

Ta‘u Island Residents – Thurs, June 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (SST)

ASG Building by the High School, Faleasao Village

Tutuila & Aunu‘u Residents – Fri, June 27, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (SST)

DYWA Conference Room, Tafuna Village

In addition, the American Samoa Council Advisors meeting will also be held Saturday, June 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (SST) at the Flying Fox Gastropub, Pava‘ia‘i Village.

The American Samoa Regional Ecosystem Advisory Committee meeting will be held Monday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to noon (SST) at the Sadie’s by the Sea Conference Room, Utulei Village.

Major agenda items for both meetings include an overview of the Council’s community consultation efforts; fishery issue discussions on deep-sea mining, shark depredation, marine national monuments and recent executive orders, and climate change impacts in American Samoa.

You can provide public comments on EO 14276 at these meetings, and you can also send comments to the Council office at info@wpcouncil.org by July 15, 2025. Would you like to see the boundary of the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument reduced from 50 nm offshore? Your voice matters as we work together to navigate changes and enhance the fishing community’s future.

The monument prohibits all commercial fishing and other extractive activities within its boundaries. However, subsistence fishing by local communities and recreational fishing are allowed and subject to certain restrictions and regulations. For example, recreational fishing is allowed for pelagic species such as tuna and billfish, but is prohibited for bottomfish and other reef-associated species.

For more information, contact Felix Penalosa (felix.penalosa@wpcouncil.org) or Nate Ilaoa (pavafox684@gmail.com), and visit www.wpcouncil.org/marine-spatial-management.

About the Council

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Council is responsible for developing and implementing fishery management plans for waters surrounding Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI and U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas. The Council works to promote sustainable fisheries, protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of fishing communities through science-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

WP Council Reaffirms NWHI Fisheries Were Sustainable, Urges Policy Shift Aligned with EO 14276

June 13, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has reaffirmed its longstanding position that commercial fisheries in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) were sustainably managed prior to the designation of Papahānaumokuākea as a marine national monument and sanctuary. For more than 60 years, commercial fishing took place in the region without degrading the ecosystem, which was recognized as one of the healthiest and most intact in the world.

The Council at its meeting in Honolulu this week voted to urge the president to lift the prohibition on fishing in Papahānaumokuākea, stating that such action would align with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and Revitalizing the American Blue Economy. The EO directs federal agencies to reduce burdens on domestic fishing and increase sustainable U.S. seafood production.

Council member Judith Guthertz, vice chair for Guam, highlighted the cultural importance of fishing in island communities.

“When the White House recognized our fishing traditions, it was powerful,” she said. “We’ve honored these practices for generations and that respect should be reflected in policy decisions.”

During public comment, Abe Apilado, a Native Hawaiian fisher from Kaua‘i, echoed a sentiment heard earlier in the week, saying, “Nobody ever told the farmer, ‘just make enough food to feed your family.’ So why put that same limit on fishermen?” The Council has previously recommended that fishing within the monument should be allowed under a special permit system, with access for Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, including a consideration for cost recovery.

Council Recommendations Align with EO 14276

In support of EO 14276, the Council approved several actions aimed at strengthening domestic fisheries and addressing inequities in trade, as it voted to:
  • Endorse a preliminary list of recommendations to reduce regulatory burdens on U.S. fisheries and direct staff to finalize supporting documentation.
  • Initiate a review of existing fishing prohibitions in Pacific marine national monuments to inform federal decision-making on regulations.
  • Send a letter to the secretary of commerce and U.S. trade representative outlining unfair trade practices and proposing corrective measures under the America First Seafood Strategy.

These actions responded to concerns raised at last month’s Council Coordination Committee meeting in New Bedford, where members discussed the impact of low-cost seafood imports, inconsistent labeling and lack of traceability. The Council noted that the United States provides $60 million annually in foreign fishery aid through agreements with the Pacific Islands Forum and under the Compact of Free Association.

In 2023, the United States pledged $2 billion over 20 years to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau. At the same time, the Council emphasized that U.S. Pacific territories continue to face limited investment in their own fisheries.

Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds said the agency has a clear role to play. “This executive order gives us a real opportunity to reform outdated policies and support our fisheries more effectively,” she said.

Uku Catch Limits Set

The Council took final action on catch limits for uku (gray jobfish) in the main Hawaiian Islands. For the 2026–2029 fishing years, the annual catch limit is set at 401,020 pounds, based on a 36% risk of overfishing after scientific adjustments.

The Council also recommends replacing in-season closures with a post-season accountability measure. If the average catch over the most recent three years exceeds the limit in any year, the overage will be deducted from the following year’s catch limit.

 

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam) (vice chair); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture; and Archie Soliai, American Samoa Government (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Jeremy Raynal, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.

WPRFMC Approves Mandatory Electronic Monitoring for Hawai‘i and American Samoa Longline Fleets

June 12, 2025. — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council took final action today to authorize the use of electronic monitoring (EM) as a mandatory tool for data collection aboard longline vessels operating under Hawai‘i and American Samoa limited-entry permits.

The Council’s decision amends the Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan to implement EM systems for the purpose of at-sea monitoring, including protected species interactions and other data collection requirements. The Council’s action calls for phased implementation of EM from 2025 through 2027, with vessels required to maintain EM systems once installed. The Council recommended longline vessels be randomly selected to install EM systems during the phase-in period.

The action comes as the number of human observers continues to decline due to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) budget limitations. NMFS has secured funding to install EM systems and cover administrative and sampling costs through 2027, but the agency has not committed to maintaining the program beyond that point.

“Whether it be the human observer program or EM, this is a mandate by the federal government, and we are now discussing an unfunded mandate,” said Council Vice Chair for American Samoa Archie Soliai. “We’ve heard over the last couple of years how the American Samoa longline fleet is struggling, and I find it very hard to support having industry pay for something that should be the responsibility of the federal government beyond 2027.”

The Council endorsed the need for EM and emphasized that it will provide reliable data for compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act as a primary objective. These data are also critical to meeting the terms of the biological opinion (BiOp), a legally required document developed under the ESA that outlines how fisheries must operate to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of protected species. EM will also serve as a standardized bycatch reporting methodology.

Public comments reinforced the need for federal support. Nate Ilaoa, vice chair of the American Samoa Advisory Panel, said, “This is a disproportionate burden to our region.” He also referenced U.S. agreements dating back to the early 1900s that committed the federal government to protect American Samoa’s resources.

Eric Kingma, executive director of the Hawaii Longline Association, echoed these concerns. “We support mandatory EM,” he said. “But we can’t take it on if the agency does not take up the costs.”

As part of its final action, the Council also directed staff to work with NMFS and the longline fleets to conduct workshops to ensure vessel monitoring plans (VMPs) are practical and efficient. VMPs describe the responsibilities of crew at sea to maintain operational EM systems and provide contingencies in case of malfunction. The Council further urged NMFS to conduct outreach to the fleets prior to implementation and to update cost-earnings data for the American Samoa fishery to assess any economic impacts of EM.

“This has been a very meaningful conversation,” Soliai said. “At the bottom line, we are talking about putting food on the table and sustaining livelihoods that help support small economies. Our collective wisdom is going to be key in solving these problems.”

The Council also approved mandatory crew training on protected species handling and release for the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. The decision follows a successful pilot program launched in April 2024 through a collaboration between NMFS, the Hawaii Longline Association and the Council. Advisory groups expressed strong support for the initiative, the first of its kind in the Pacific. The action aims to improve the survival of protected species following incidental interactions with longline gear, while minimizing added burden on fishery participants.