Saving Seafood

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.

 

Fishers Forum Sheds Light on the Challenges and Passion Behind Hawai‘i’s Commercial Fishing Industry

June 11, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) hosted a lively and thought-provoking Fishers Forum last night, June 9, at the Ala Moana Hotel. Titled “From Hanapa‘a to How Much? What It Takes to Fish and Sell in Hawai‘i,” the event brought together commercial fishers, seafood marketers and community members to discuss the evolving and often difficult realities of commercial fishing in the islands.

Panelists shared raw and honest insights about the economic, regulatory and cultural challenges facing Hawai‘i’s fishing community, especially as traditional knowledge erodes and entry into the profession becomes increasingly inaccessible.

“In the ’80s and ’90s, fishing was big,” said long-time fisherman Abe Apilado and WPRFMC Hawai‘i Advisory Panel member. “Now, fishermen are hardly recognized for their contributions. There’s a loss of fishing knowledge and community representation.” He noted “akule used to be king—today we leave fish in the water because no more market.”

He pointed to the growing burden of regulations, rising costs and reduced access to traditional fishing grounds such as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. He also stressed the strong work ethic required to commercially fish, considering today’s economic challenges.

“You have to be comfortable with failing in this life,” he said. “Fishing goes up and down like the stock market, but one good trip might make up for a week of losses.”

Apilado urged the community to invest in youth, remove the stigma from underappreciated fish species, and revive the tradition of fishing as a way to nourish—not just supply—our communities.

Kapili Kalahiki-Anthony, a former NOAA Fisheries observer and founder of Native Hawaiian Trading Co., is a vocal advocate for community-based fisheries. He highlighted the entrepreneurial and cultural aspects of modern-day fishing. He credits Hawai‘i’s legendary fisherman, Leo Ohai, who taught him the importance of knowing all fishing methods and having the experience to recognize when to target seasonal fisheries.

“You can’t just fish—you have to market yourself, use social media,” he explained. “It’s not just about money, but we do have to pay the bills. The key is to light that spark—to show the kids what we do and connect the dots.”

Kalahiki-Anthony discussed the importance of indigenous knowledge and innovation in revitalizing Hawaiian fisheries. Through his nonprofit, he is working to provide vocational training and mentorship, hoping to build a future where Hawai‘i’s youth see fishing as both a viable career and a cultural calling.

“Fish trapping is a lost art,” he added. “We need to create the space and the pride for it to come back.”

From the business side of the industry, Josh Schade of Ahi Assassins, a member of the WPRFMC Fishing Industry Advisory Committee, addressed market dynamics and the discontent many fishers feel when they see their catch sell for far more than they’re paid.

“It’s easy to say it’s unfair,” said Schade, “but between the boat and the plate, there’s a whole network of people working hard to get that fish to the customer. If we clarify what happens behind the curtain, we can resolve a lot of the frustration in our community.”

Schade’s response to the question about the most important message he would share with someone wanting to become a commercial fisherman was: “Show respect for each other, family and community.”

The forum drew a diverse audience, reflecting a shared concern for Hawai‘i’s food security, cultural heritage and economic resilience. A recurring message throughout the night was that supporting local fishers means more than buying local—it means acknowledging the mana‘o (knowledge), effort and heart that sustains the practice.

The Fishers Forum was part of the WPRFMC’s 203rd Council meeting week, which brings together community members to discuss fisheries management in the Western Pacific region.

Council to Review Monument Policy Shifts, Take Final Action on Longline Monitoring and Uku Catch Limits

June 5, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will convene June 9–11 in Honolulu to review major federal policy changes that could reshape fisheries access across the Pacific Islands, and to take final action on several critical fishery management measures. The meeting is open to the public, with participation available both in person and via Webex.

The Council will discuss recent presidential actions that may have significant implications for fisheries management and ocean resource access in the region.

Executive Order 14276 – Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: Among other provisions, directs NOAA to review marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll, and the Marianas Trench, to ensure alignment with national seafood priorities.

Executive Order 14192 – Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation: Mandates the identification of at least 10 regulations for repeal with each new regulation issued, with the goal of minimizing regulatory burdens and encouraging efficient use of public and private funds.

Executive Order 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to issue guidance on how federal agencies must use, interpret, and communicate scientific data, with an emphasis on transparency and rigor.

The Council will consider analyses of these actions and may offer recommendations regarding their potential effects on fishing access and regulations. The public is encouraged to send in their comments.

The Council will hear from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on a new initiative to evaluate a potential offshore mineral lease sale near American Samoa. This follows a request from a U.S.-based company, Impossible Metals, and is the first such federal step in more than 30 years. The proposal aligns with national priorities to expand domestic access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on imports. BOEM will conduct a public review process to assess environmental impacts, geologic conditions and potential conflicts with ocean uses such as fishing.

In addition to the presidential actions, the Council will take final action to authorize electronic monitoring (EM) as a recognized data collection tool in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. The EM program, currently voluntary and research-focused, would be transitioned to a formal monitoring mechanism. The Council will decide whether the program should be mandatory or optional, and how it should be funded beyond 2027, when federal support for equipment and sampling is currently set to expire.

Also on the agenda is Council review of a regulatory amendment to require crew training and a trained person on deck in these same longline fisheries. The action would expand existing protected species handling and release training requirements to crew members to reduce post-release mortality of protected species and ensure compliance with Endangered Species Act biological opinions. The Council will weigh options for recertification frequency, including annual, biennial or permanent certification.

In Hawai‘i, the Council will take final action on the annual catch limits for uku (green jobfish) in the main Hawaiian Islands for fishing years 2026 to 2029. This follows a stock assessment update that found the uku fishery is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. The Council will consider alternatives ranging from status quo to updated catch limits based on the latest assessment. It may also revisit whether in-season monitoring is practical for this fishery given challenges with data collection and reporting.

The Council will also discuss the 2024 Annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports for its five Fishery Ecosystem Plans: Hawai‘i, American Samoa, the Marianas, the Pacific Remote Island Areas and Pelagic Fisheries. These reports include updated information on bottomfish and pelagic fisheries, ecosystem trends, fishery participation, catch and economic performance.

The second day of the meeting, Tuesday, June 10, will begin with virtual opening remarks from Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, assistant administrator for National Marine Fisheries Service, followed by a review of the marine EOs from Sam Rauch, NMFS deputy assistant administrator for regulatory programs.

How to Join

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

Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/203CouncilMtg, Event password: CM203mtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/203rd-council-meeting

FISHERS FORUM

As part of the meeting week, the Council will host a public Fishers Forum titled “From Hanapa‘a to How Much? What It Takes to Fish and Sell in Hawai‘i” on Monday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom.

Fishers have shared that making a living from commercial fishing has become increasingly difficult, with only a few able to do it full-time. Yet they play a critical role in food security, feeding those who cannot fish and supporting island communities. To thrive in today’s fishing industry, one must understand more than just how to fish—costs, regulations, market shifts and environmental changes all factor in. At the forum, participants will hear directly from fishers and marketers about the real-world challenges of the business. The event will feature presentations, informational tables, giveaways and more.

SSC to Tackle Key Pacific Fisheries Challenges at 156th Meeting

June 3, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

From shifting ocean temperatures to changing fishery participation, the Pacific’s marine ecosystems are in flux. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet June 4–6, 2025, to review the latest science and data behind these changes and make recommendations to guide the future of fisheries management across Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

This 156th SSC meeting will include key discussions on electronic monitoring in longline fisheries, the latest island-specific findings from the 2024 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports, an important bottomfish stock assessment update for CNMI and updates from the SSC’s Special Projects Working Group.

Agenda Highlights

1. Electronic Monitoring Implementation in Longline Fisheries

The SSC will evaluate the integration of electronic monitoring (EM) systems in Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. This includes reviewing National Marine Fisheries Service technical memos assessing EM operations, such as comparisons between EM data and observer reports, and evaluations of EM detection accuracy at various review speeds.

Preliminary results show promising accuracy in species detection at various review speeds—paving the way for increased EM adoption as a tool for compliance and data collection.

2. 2024 Annual SAFE Reports

The SSC will discuss the reports, which provide insights into fishery performance, trends in catch and effort, related ecosystem considerations and the effectiveness of management measures.

Examples include:

Hawai‘i: The troll and handline pelagic fisheries in the main Hawaiian Islands saw a sharp economic downturn, with catch dropping from 1.6 million to 1.3 million pounds and total value sinking by nearly $2 million to $4.3 million. Declining fish prices—from $4.32 to $3.91 per pound—were a prominent factor in the decreased revenue, further emphasizing financial strain across the fleet.

Total pelagic catch across all fisheries increased from just over 30 million pounds in 2023 to almost 33 million pounds in 2024, with more than 28 million pounds coming from the deep-set longline fishery. Bigeye tuna catches continued to decline, falling below 14 million pounds, but was offset by a record 10 million pounds of yellowfin tuna—a 33% increase from the previous year. Blue marlin and striped marlin also increased, with striped marlin more than doubling.

American Samoa: Bottomfish catch increased to 11,737 pounds in 2024—a relatively small but notable development as the fishery sees a small resurgence in activity and catch per unit effort (CPUE). Pelagic catch also increased from 2023 to 2024, with tuna and non-tuna catches increasing 22% and 61%, respectively. Longline CPUE has increased since 2020, with catch per 1,000 hooks increasing from 12.6 albacore to 13 albacore over the last year.

Guam: Bottomfish catch increased to 36,130 pounds in 2024. Though CPUE declined slightly, trip and gear hours rose, showing a modest but positive shift in local engagement.

CNMI: Pelagic trolling effort dropped to its lowest point in more than a decade, and estimated total catch hit a 10-year low at just 84,333 pounds—driven by steep declines in tuna, ono and mahimahi landings. There are concerns about administrative challenges preventing the adequate number of creel surveys needed to monitor fishery performance.

3. CNMI Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update

The SSC will review the latest Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review (WPSAR) findings and consider steps toward rebuilding the fishery, which continues to experience historically low catch levels and reduced commercial activity.

4. SSC Special Projects Working Group Reports

The committee will receive updates from SSC working groups focusing on integrating socioeconomic and biological considerations into SSC recommendations, improving multi-species complex management of bottomfish fisheries and synthesizing climate information to inform the Council’s upcoming scenario planning process.

How to Join

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

Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/156SSCMtg, Event password: SSC156mtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/156th-scientific-and-statistical-committee-meeting

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet June 9-11, 2025, at the Ala Moana Hotel – Hibiscus Ballroom in Honolulu, www.wpcouncil.org/event/203rd-council-meeting. Fishers, community members and the general public are encouraged to participate and provide input on the management of the region’s valuable marine resources.

Understaffed Western Pacific Fishery Management Council braces for further cuts

May 6, 2025 — The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) is calling on the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to “address severe funding shortfalls that threaten the future of fisheries management.”

However, the council’s calls are coming at a time when the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to slash NOAA’s budget, which funds the council, by 27 percent for the 2026 fiscal year.

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

Fishing industry says Trump’s Pacific monument order is about fairness, economy

April 23, 2025 — When President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument last week, a familiar face stood to his left in the Oval Office.

The executive director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council was there. Kitty Simonds has served on the council for decades. She’s the first Native Hawaiian woman to lead the agency.

Simonds said she attended at the invitation of American Samoa U.S. House Delegate Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, who had been writing to the administration about the plight of the territory’s fishing industry.

Speaking to The Conversation on Tuesday morning, Simonds shared the viewpoint of the commercial fishers who will now be allowed to operate in waters at least 50 miles offshore.

Opponents fear the order will hurt conservation efforts. Simonds said it’s about fairness for U.S. longliners in Hawaiʻi, Guam and American Samoa.

Read the full story at Hawaii Public Radio

Western Pacific Fishery Council Urges Increased Federal Funding

March 29, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

In a critical call to action, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to address severe funding shortfalls that threaten the future of fisheries management and vital capacity-building programs across the Pacific Islands. With fishery resources and local economies at risk, the Council is requesting immediate increases in funding allocations to regional fishery management councils from the DOC, NOAA and the Office of Management and Budget. These increases are necessary to safeguard the region’s marine environment and fishing communities.

Council members had grave concerns about budget reductions, particularly for the Council’s scholarship program, which supports university students from American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). “Funding is critical to developing young professionals who return to our islands to strengthen fisheries management,” said Council member Archie Soliai. “Without support, the future of our fisheries is at stake.”

Since its inauguration in 2015, the Council’s U.S. Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarship program has supported students from American Samoa, Guam and the CNMI. Scholarship recipients commit to working in their local fishery management agency for every year of funding they receive. Funds have come from the Council, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Funds.

Representative Trude Ledoux-Sunia from the American Samoa Fono (legislature), thanked the Council for its hard work in fighting for the fisheries and economic stability of the territory. However, she expressed disappointment in the loss of funding as it would have a huge impact on developing the next generation of fishing scientists and managers.

Fishing Regulations for the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary

On Jan. 27, 2025, the NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office notified the Council that the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary’s final rule and regulations were inconsistent with the Council’s recommendations for fishing regulations. On March 24, 2025, NOAA announced a review of the final rule for consistency with the Administration’s policies and Executive Orders, including EO 14219, “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.”

The Council will seek clarification from the Secretary of Commerce on the consistency of its proposed fishing regulation with the Administration’s policies and EOs, to inform its decision to reconsider those recommendations.

Impact of Executive Order on Pacific Aid and Fisheries

Council members were apprehensive about the unintended consequences of withholding or delaying aid to neighboring Pacific Island countries. EO 14169, “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” directs federal agencies to ensure all aid promotes U.S. security and prosperity. The United States had pledged $60 million annually for economic assistance to Pacific Island countries as part of the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, which allows U.S. tuna purse seiners to purchase fishing days in the national waters of these countries.

“We are worried that withholding assistance to Pacific Island countries could jeopardize fishing arrangements and, ultimately, the viability of the U.S. fishery that supports American Samoa’s economy,” said Soliai. The Council will work with federal agencies to assess potential impacts of EO 14169 on existing international fishing treaties and arrangements.

The Council also recommended revising the list of managed American Samoa bottomfish species from 13 to six species of deepwater snappers to focus on deepwater species that have enough data for stock assessments and annual catch limits (ACLs). The remaining seven will be reclassified as ecosystem component species that will be monitored but not directly managed through ACLs.