Saving Seafood

Western Pacific Region Status of the Fisheries 2022 report is now available!

August 30, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

To monitor and evaluate fishery performance, the Council publishes annual reports for each of its five fishery ecosystem-based management plans. The publication highlights some of the changes in the U.S. Pacific Island fisheries from 2020 to 2022. Fishery statistics can be affected by numerous variables, including environmental changes and socioeconomic variables. In recent years, the impacts and subsequent recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic also affected fisheries in multiple ways. Some of these effects are described, in addition to recent stock statuses and management measures. Full reports and data used to generate the reports are available online.

Request for Proposals: Policy and Regulatory Analyst

July 25, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council;

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Council), established through Congress under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MFCMA) of 1976, has the responsibility for preparing management plans for those fisheries within its jurisdiction. The Council has authority over the management of fisheries in the US Exclusive Economic Zone waters off of the Territories of American Samoa and Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the State of Hawaii and U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas. 

The Council, composed of 16 public, State, and Federal members, meets at a minimum of four times a year to conduct its business. Funding for the Council is provided by Congress through grants administered by NOAA Fisheries.  The Council headed by an Executive Director with administrative and programmatic staff based in Hawaii and US Pacific Island Territories. The Council is soliciting proposals for contractual services on a time and materials basis as listed below.  

CONTRACT SERVICE:  Policy and Regulatory Analyst 

CONTRACT PERIOD:  The contract is expected to begin in August 2023 and end in December 2023. 

SCOPE OF WORK:  The Policy and Regulatory Analyst will assist the Council in supporting its programs in the Western Pacific Region.  A specific list of deliverables and timelines will be provided to potential contractors during the contractor interview and selection process. A list of potential deliverables under the contract is summarized below: 

  • A written report analyzing existing fishing policies, practices and regulations in the Western Pacific Region;
  • Prepare research memoranda to support development of proposed fishing regulations; 
  • Prepare meeting presentations and materials to support interactions between the Council, federal agency representatives, local fishing associations and clubs, and international organizations; and
  • Provide verbal reports to the Council staff and Executive Director concerning work products. 

ELIGIBILITY: The potential Contractor must: 

  • 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 Island Region; 
  • Be familiar with the responsibilities of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council as well as Pacific Island community cultures and natural resources;
  • Be familiar with territorial fishery agencies, federal fishery agencies, and fishing and seafood communities in the Western Pacific;  
  • Possess sufficient skill and ability to work independently to produce written deliverables; and
  • Be available to commence work in August 2023, and complete work in December 2023. 

REQUIREMENTS: The contractor will work independently and coordinate with the Council program staff to meet deliverable timelines.  Proposals will be evaluated on a competitive basis based on the eligibility criteria as stated above.  The selected contractor will commence work in August, 2023. 

HOW TO APPLY: Proposal submissions should include a proposal including the following items (maximum 3 pages): (a) Name, affiliation, and contact information of the principal contractor(s); (b) a brief statement addressing the qualifications and requirements as stated; (c) contractor’s compensation rate, inclusive of all taxes and fees; and (d) a curriculum vitae or resume for each project participant. 

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 accepted until August 15, 2023, or until a contractor is engaged, whichever is earlier. 

Western Pacific Council Challenged by NOAA Prohibition on Commercial Fishing for Proposed Pacific Remote Islands Sanctuary

July 5, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Congresswoman Amata Radewagen from American Samoa expressed her deep concern regarding the lack of consultation with the U.S. territories affected by the NOAA proposed sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Islands. In a video message during the Council meeting last Wednesday, Congresswoman Radewagen stated her astonishment at the Administration’s failure to meaningfully consult and engage with the U.S. Pacific territories. She criticized the sudden announcement of this potentially drastic change via a tweet by the President.

Despite the authority granted by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Congresswoman highlighted the Council’s lack of involvement in the decision-making process. She emphasized that the Administration was pursuing the wrong policy and employing an inappropriate approach.

On June 23, the Council received the official sanctuary proposal, which requested the Council’s assistance in formulating fishing regulations. Currently, commercial fishing is permitted between 50-200 miles in parts of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM). However, NOAA’s first objective aims to extend the existing protections of the Monument to the entire U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ), thereby prohibiting commercial fishing by U.S. fishermen in U.S. waters.

Council members expressed their opposition to the proposed prohibition on commercial fishing. For more than 30 years, American Samoa-based purse seiners and Honolulu-based longliners operated in the waters of the Pacific Remote Islands Area until the establishment of the PRIMNM in 2006. This new action will force U.S. purse seiners to fish farther away from Pago Pago Harbor and transport their catch to Mexico and Ecuador instead of the StarKist Samoa cannery, which serves as the backbone of American Samoa’s economy.

Archie Soliai, Director of the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, stated that this federal action, coupled with NOAA’s rule requiring 558 purse seine days to be fished within the U.S. EEZ, is “the nail in the coffin” to the tuna industry in American Samoa. The Governor of American Samoa has expressed objection to the proposed rule and has notified NOAA of its intention to file a lawsuit. 

Dr. Judi Guthertz, Guam Council member, strongly criticized the federal government for proposing the sanctuary despite the opposition from the people of American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI. “Shame on the federal government” admonished Guthertz as she urged the process to restart with consultation and consensus building, highlighting the vigilant attention being paid to the situation by the islands’ fishermen, senators and leaders.

American Samoa Vice Chair William Sword expressed concern for the livelihoods of those working in the canneries, who rely on fishing to support their families. “Those cannery workers are poor and you want to take food off of their tables,” said Sword. He questioned the decision-making process, pointing out that advice is being taken from individuals who do not reside in American Samoa and will not be adversely affected by the proposed action.

Guam Council Vice Chair Manny Dueñas suggested the allocation of percentages for commercial, noncommercial and indigenous fishing, rather than a complete prohibition on fishing. Dueñas also raised questions about the true consideration of conserving resources asking, “Which generation is being prioritized, and is it for the people of the mainland or the Pacific?” 

Kitty Simonds, Council Executive Director, criticized the contradiction between claiming to preserve cultural influences, while simultaneously abolishing fishing, which holds significant importance within the culture. “It’s obvious that the ocean belongs only to the federal government and not to its people, and we are merely spectators,” said Simonds.

The Council has until December 23 to respond to NOAA’s proposal. The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is expected to complete the process, including the Environmental Impact Statement, by August 2024, with implementation scheduled to occur before the upcoming elections.

The Council sent a comment letter to ONMS June 2, 2023, describing its objections to the proposed sanctuary: https://tinyurl.com/ONMSCommentLetter.

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: John Gourley, Micronesian Environmental Services (CNMI) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Manny Dueñas, Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association (Guam) (vice chair); Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and McGrew Rice, charter boat captain (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 Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources. Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy (acting), NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Brian Peck, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.

Day 2 of the WPRFMC meeting hears from StarKist workers

July 1, 2023 — Day two of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting, hosted by American Samoa this week, allowed members of the public to speak on fishery issues that concern them. And it became apparent that their main concern is with the proposal to establish a new sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Islands (PRI). Their comments yesterday focused on their fears of losing jobs, income and homes, of unpaid loans happening, going out of business, etc. Many were StarKist workers. The public was given 3 minutes on the ‘mike’.

Quite a few of StarKist Samoa workers were on hand carrying placards outside, that spoke of their opposition to the proposal. They did not carry them inside the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium where the council meeting was being held, but the signs were placed against the back wall inside, while workers sat in the public area.

Some of the StarKist workers went to the ‘mike’ to voice their opinions and they were all against the proposed establishment of a Sanctuary in the PRIA.

SOME COMMUNITY VOICES

Tafaoga Tuua, an employee of  Star Kist for 24 years, said there’s not enough fishing vessels supplying the cannery. And if the US government continues with its plans then there won’t be enough fish for them to work on; there’d be an increase in cost, workers would be laid off, and without income, the rental accommodation business will go broke. “So we don’t support the President’s proposed Sanctuary,” she said, “Please allow the American fishing boats to come.”

She also spoke for workers from Samoa, who are here to work and earn a living for not only themselves, but for their families in Samoa. “And we all oppose this plan, as this is the only company that helps us… Every day before we start, we pray to God to save this company for us — StarKist is the only company we get money from.”

Read the full article at Samoa News

Opposition to marine sanctuary voiced during Wespac meeting

June 29, 2023 — Opponents of a proposed national marine sanctuary in the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands, in particular tuna cannery employees in American Samoa, protested and testified against the sanctuary today during a Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting that’s being held in the territory.

The council, known as Wespac, is holding a multi-day meeting covering a variety of fishing-related issues in the Pacific Ocean, including the ongoing process to turn the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) into a sanctuary and expand it into the largest marine protected area in the world.

Employees of the StarKist tuna cannery, located in American Samoa, took the opportunity to protest the proposed sanctuary, fearing that it could lead to the closure of the cannery.

They attended the Wespac meeting today as the council provided an update on the sanctuary designation process. More than a dozen workers and opponents of the sanctuary could be seen holding signs with messages saying “StarKist Samoa cannery takes care of my family” or “I’m a cannery worker; save my job.”

The sanctuary would close off commercial fishing to about 780,000 square miles of U.S. waters around Baker, Howland and Jarvis islands; Johnston, Wake and Palmyra atolls; and Kingman Reef. Opponents have warned that the sanctuary’s most significant effect would be the closure of the cannery, which employs 14% of American Samoa’s workforce and is its largest private employer, according to a 2020 report on the territory’s economy by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Canned tuna represents about 90% of the territory’s exports, the report said.

Read the full article at The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

American Samoa Governor Stresses Importance of Fisheries and Respect to the US Territory

June 28, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

You must be mindful of the decisions you make…so that the interests of small fishing communities are not disregarded” was the main message heard in the remarks of the Honorable Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who opened the 195th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council yesterday in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

“The ocean and its marine resources have sustained our Fa‘asamoa for thousands of years. These abundant natural resources have provided food on our table and supported our people, especially during calamities,” noted the Governor. “Our community went back to farming and fishing when we closed our borders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ocean is what has sustained us and will continue to do so for years to come.”

However, he stressed the pressure that global climate change is putting on the islands, despite the territory’s small carbon footprint. “Our high vulnerability could lead to widespread food and water insecurity, increased health risks, lack of access to social services and even forced displacements in some cases,” said Governor Mauga. “Due to climate change, the ocean that has sustained us for millennia is now threatening our daily lives. We require more support and coordination for increased access to climate adaptation strategies, mitigation data and knowledge.”

He also noted that, in addition to climate change, government actions threaten the tuna industry that sustains the local economy, referencing the proposed national marine sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIA) and the Effort Limit Areas for Purse Seine (ELAPS). He said a National Marine Fisheries Service report showed the percentage of retained catch for the local purse seiner fleet in the PRIA was as much as 25% historically, with fishing effort increasing over the past few years.

“Most, if not all, of the fish caught in these waters is landed in the territory,” said Governor Mauga. “The misinformation that has been circulated by the proponents of this sanctuary is insulting and misconstrues the reality of the importance of these waters to our territory.”

The purse seine fleet is critical for the continued viability of the tuna industry, as it provides approximately 75% of the tuna needed for the StarKist Samoa cannery production.

The Governor emphasized what saddened him the most about the federal actions is that they have been done without meaningful consultation and engagement of the American Samoa people. “There is no equity and justice served when the people that these federal actions will impact have no say, and no voice,” he said. “Respect is a very important aspect to the Pacific people, and I call on our federal partners to show some respect – sit down with us, talk with us and not to us.”

“And the question is, will the Administration and NOAA seriously consider these comments in the context of its own priorities supporting Equity and Environmental Justice in underserved and underrepresented communities?” said Council Chair John Gourley.

Gourley went on to say fishermen, cannery employees, local agencies, the Governor and Congresswoman Radewagen have all demonstrated steadfast solidarity by opposing the PRIA sanctuary proposal.

“It’s going to be a long battle and we need to be ready,” added Council Vice Chair for American Samoa Will Sword. “This top-down approach is typical of Government overreach and flies in the face of democracy, government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

On Friday, the Council received the PRIA sanctuary goals and objectives from NOAA, which said that commercial fishing is prohibited. The Council will discuss the proposal at the meeting today at 1:30 p.m. and has until December 23 to respond. The 195th Council meeting continues through Thursday at the Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei, American Samoa. For more info, go to www.wpcouncil.org or contact the Council at info@wpcouncil.org or at (808) 522-8220.

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: John Gourley, Micronesian Environmental Services (CNMI) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Manny Dueñas, Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association (Guam) (vice chair); Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and McGrew Rice, charter boat captain (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 Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources. Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy (acting), NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Brian Peck, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.

Council Science Advisors Recommend Peer Review for NOAA False Killer Whale Population Assessment, Approve Bottomfish Stock Assessment to Set Catch Limits

June 20, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

This week the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) discussed a NOAA assessment to quantify the population of pelagic false killer whales (FKWs) both inside and outside the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Hawai‘i to account for its overlap with the local commercial longline fishery. Previous assessments estimated the number of pelagic FKWs inside the EEZ and a broader Central Pacific area that is thought to include other distinct groups of whales. The new approach defined a “management area” based on available survey sightings, observed longline bycatch, and genetic and satellite telemetry tag data.

 

The resulting abundance estimate within the new area is 5,528 individuals. This total is used to calculate the potential biological removal (PBR), or the maximum number of individuals that can be removed from a population without causing it to decline below its sustainable level. 

 

SSC members raised several concerns about the approach the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) used to define the new management area boundary and the assumptions used to account for uncertainty in available data. The SSC noted a comprehensive explanation is needed on the data included and excluded from the new area. Alternative boundaries should be considered, including areas south of the proposed one where the species distribution model suggests high abundance of FKWs. The SSC recommended an independent peer review be conducted on the assessment, including validation of the underlying model.

 

“This is a complex issue and it’s important the FKW population estimate be as accurate as possible because it directly affects the Hawai‘i longline fishery,” said SSC member Milani Chaloupka, Ecological Modelling Services, Australia. “Available scientific information suggests that pelagic FKWs occur outside of the proposed management area boundary, and that these observations could be included in a more comprehensive assessment.”

 

FKWs are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. When the number of fishery interactions that result in mortality and serious injuries (MSI) for the animals exceeds the PBR, the Act requires a Take Reduction Team to be formed to recommend a Take Reduction Plan. A team was formed in 2010 to address FKW interactions with the Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery that targets bigeye tuna, and a plan was implemented in 2012. 

 

In recent years, the estimated number of MSI in the deep-set fishery was below or one above the PBR for the portion of the pelagic FKWs inside the EEZ, which changes with new population approximations. Using the new approach that includes areas outside of the EEZ, PBR is estimated at 33 FKWs for the management area, and the MSI estimate is 47 from the deep-set fishery for 2017-2021 in the same area. Most FKWs accidentally caught in the fishery are released alive with the hook and some amount of trailing line left on the animal, which NOAA counts as serious injuries. 

 

The SSC also determined a 2023 bottomfish stock assessment for American Samoa is the best scientific information available to use for developing annual catch limits. The new analysis resulted in the bottomfish stock status changing from overfished and overfishing occurring to not overfished or experiencing overfishing.

 

The PIFSC described updates from the 2019 to 2023 assessments to the SSC. The key differences were 1) using a new framework, which considers age and other characteristics of the population, and 2) splitting the 11 bottomfish species historically managed together in a species complex into individual species models. These changes allowed scientists to identify and fix errors in the data, such as when two species are very similar and may be misidentified.

 

PIFSC noted workshops organized in 2021 with fishermen in the territory, the Council and the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) provided valuable information to help interpret the available data.

 

“I appreciate the Science Center’s efforts to engage the fishermen and gather all the historical data,” said Domingo Ochavillo, DMWR Fisheries Biologist. “Working with the community was fruitful and made a big difference in resolving fishing data issues.”

The SSC also recommended rolling over the current acceptable biological catches for the CNMI bottomfish fishery for 2024-2025 (280,000 pounds) and the main Hawaiian Islands Kona crab fishery for 2024-2026 (30,802 pounds). The two limits are set to expire in 2023. The SSC evaluated the available data and analyses calculating the risk of overfishing and determined the existing limits were appropriate to extend.

 

Recommendations made by the SSC on these and other matters will be considered by the Council when it meets June 27-29, 2023, at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei, American Samoa. Instructions on connecting to the web conference, agendas and briefing documents are posted at www.wpcouncil.org/event/195th-council-meeting.

Scientific and Statistical Committee: James Lynch (chair); Jason Biggs (Guam Division of Aquatic & Wildlife Resources); Debra Cabrera (University of Guam); Frank Camacho (University of Guam); Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Erik Franklin (University of Hawai‘i, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology); Shelton Harley (Fisheries New Zealand); Jason Helyer (Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources); Ray Hilborn (University of Washington); Justin Hospital (NMFS PIFSC); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant); Donald Kobayashi (NMFS PIFSC); Steve Martell (Sea State Inc.); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa DMWR); Graham Pilling (Secretariat of the Pacific Community); Craig Severance (University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, retired); Francisco Villagomez (CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife); Tia Brown (acting, ex-officio) (NMFS PIFSC).

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: John Gourley, Micronesian Environmental Services (CNMI) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Manny Dueñas, Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association (Guam) (vice chair); Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and McGrew Rice, charter boat captain (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 Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources. Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy (acting), NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Brian Peck, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.

US Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarship Applications Due July 17, 2023

June 14, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and its Education Committee members are pleased to announce the availability of up to three graduate scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. These scholarships support the aspiration of American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to build their capacity to effectively manage their fisheries and related resources by employing people from the local communities. 

Students with strong ties to these territories are eligible for scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and fees and some living expenses. The amount will be based on the University’s estimated cost of attendance. Click here for more information and a complete scholarship application.. Funding for the scholarships comes in part from the Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office and Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. For further details, please contact Amy Vandehey at info@wpcouncil.org or phone (808) 522-8220.

Western Pacific Scientists to Discuss New Regional Analyses for Bottomfish, Kona Crab and False Killer Whales Next Week

June 12, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Scientific advisors to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet June 14-16, 2023, to provide advice and comments on U.S. Pacific Territory bottomfish stocks, Kona crab fishery and false killer whale (FKW) assessments in Hawai‘i, the proposed Pacific Remote Islands (PRI) sanctuary, and other topics.

 The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting is open to in-person or remote participation via web conference for attendees. The full agenda, background documents and instructions for connecting to the meeting and providing oral public comments are available at www.wpcouncil.org/event/148th-scientific-and-statistical-committee-meeting.

 American Samoa Bottomfish Assessment

The SSC will discuss and evaluate a new bottomfish stock assessment model for the American Samoa fishery. The Council’s American Samoa Fishery Ecosystem Plan encompasses 11 bottomfish species, historically managed as a species complex. The previous 2019 assessment indicated the complex was overfished and undergoing overfishing, leading to a rebuilding plan that limited annual catches to below 5,000 pounds. However, using new methodology, a February 2023 assessment shows that the bottomfish complex is no longer overfished or experiencing overfishing. 

 The 2023 stock assessment uses biological information from nine of the 11 species and improved the reconstruction of historical catch. In 2022, NOAA held a series of data workshops to refine the interpretation of catch records, in cooperation with fishermen, the Council and the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. The 2023 Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review panel found the methods and data integrations greatly improved the analysis. 

 The SSC will review the report and recommendations and may provide feedback to determine whether the new stock assessment represents the best scientific information available (BSIA). If deemed appropriate, the Council will proceed with developing new annual catch limits based on the outcomes, replacing the rebuilding plan.

 CNMI Bottomfish ABC Specification for 2024-2025

The SSC will consider specifying an acceptable biological catch (ABC) for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) bottomfish fisheries for fishing year 2024-2025. The specifications would be based on the 2019 Benchmark Stock Assessment of the Mariana Archipelago Bottomfish Fisheries, which the SSC previously considered BSIA. This assessment found the CNMI fishery was not overfished or experiencing overfishing.

 As part of the process to determine annual catch limits (ACLs), the Council will take into account the ABCs calculated by the SSC. These ABCs incorporate the overfishing limit derived from the stock assessment, while considering scientific uncertainties.

 MHI Kona Crab ABC Specification for 2024-2026

The SSC will also evaluate the ABC for the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Kona crab fishery to assist the Council in developing an ACL. At a prior meeting, the SSC set the ABC at 30,802 pounds. The committee will determine if this specification remains accurate for fishing years 2024-2026 based on the 2019 stock assessment with catch projections to 2026. The assessment determined that the fishery is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. 

 MHI False Killer Whale Assessments

The SSC will review new assessments conducted by the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center for two separate FKW populations around Hawai‘i. The first assessment updates the population estimate for the MHI insular FKWs, which is a small population that is considered genetically distinct from other populations around the region and listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. 

 The second assessment focuses on the pelagic population of FKWs. The pelagic FKW range extends offshore from the MHI and well beyond the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but the outer extent of the range is unknown. The new assessment provided a population estimate for the pelagic stock both inside and outside the EEZ to account for its occurrence and overlap with the Hawai‘i longline fishery. NOAA provided the resulting pelagic population estimate to the FKW Take Reduction Team (TRT), which convened March 28-31, 2023. The TRT, established under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, aims to reduce mortality and serious injuries to FKWs. The SSC will also discuss a report of the TRT meeting. 

 Proposed Pacific Remote Islands Sanctuary

The SSC will hear a presentation and discuss information from NOAA on the goals and objectives of the proposed national marine sanctuary in the PRI. The Council, under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, has the responsibility to develop fishing regulations. The National Marine Fisheries Service is preparing a position statement, which includes keeping an objective of sustainable fisheries within the sanctuary boundaries. The SSC may recommend specific analyses for NOAA to conduct as it prepares its Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed sanctuary.

 The SSC meeting is a crucial platform for leading scientists, experts and stakeholders to collaborate and contribute their knowledge to the formulation of effective conservation strategies. By fostering dialogue and facilitating scientific deliberations, the SSC aims to protect and sustain the delicate balance of marine ecosystems while promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices.

Recommendations made by the SSC on these and other matters will be considered by the Council when it meets June 27-29 at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei, American Samoa. Instructions on connecting to the web conference, agendas and briefing documents are posted at www.wpcouncil.org/event/195th-council-meeting.

Fishery Management Council Recommends NOAA Support Local Communities in Hawai‘i

April 19, 2023 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council continues its efforts to persuade NOAA officials to allow Native Hawaiian fishing to recover costs related to their permitted fishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). The Council, concerned that federal ocean policies are overlooking the fishing needs of Indigenous Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, responded to NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) with a letter last Friday challenging NOS’s position that recouping costs of fishing in the NWHI amounted to selling, rather than cultural barter and trade.

NOS’s February 22 letter says, “While NOAA may authorize subsistence fishing in the [Monument Expansion Area] under a Native Hawaiian Practices Fishing Permit only where the fish may be traded, bartered, or exchanged on a small scale within the family or community, such activities must be sustainable and must not serve as a toehold for prohibited commercial fishing.”

The Council on April 14 responded that final MEA action does indeed provide for effective safeguards against commercial fishing because (1) commercial fishing is prohibited; and (2) the applicant for a Native Hawaiian Subsistence Practices Fishing Permit is required to describe fishing trip costs. The review process includes consultation with the Council, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Monument board and the public. The NMFS Regional Administrator makes the final decision to allow or disallow the proposed costs. Barter and trade continues to be available and are not affected by a decision on cost recovery.

In their letter, NOS concluded that the action of a “sale” in a federal fishing permit in the NWHI was unlikely to meet the goals and objectives of the Administration’s proposed national marine sanctuary encompassing the entire NWHI.

The Council disagrees because its MEA action does align with the goals and objectives of the Administration’s proposed sanctuary as follows:

  • Provides a framework for NMFS to consider cost recovery. 
  • Promotes partnership and engagement. 
  • Supports co-management for stewardship.
  • Allows input on Native Hawaiian management concepts.
  • Enhances community involvement through public review and commenting with opportunities for economically disadvantaged communities. 

President Obama’s Proclamation 9478 specifically allows for noncommercial fishing and Native Hawaiian fishing practices in the MEA. Obviously, the President intended that sustainable fishing occur in the MEA and any attempt to reduce that opportunity by not allowing recovery of fishing costs clashes with this intent.

Limited cost recovery is necessary for Native Hawaiian participation in regulated fishing practices under Proclamation 9478, considering the community’s socio-economic challenges, which include high rates of poverty, unemployment and negative health conditions. Disallowing cost recovery by sale would further disenfranchise the community, hindering its ability to participate in Native Hawaiian subsistence and traditional fishing practices.

Mayor Derek Kawakami of Kaua‘i at a public meeting the Council held in November 2022 said, “I don’t know too many fishermen who can afford to go there and fish. However, there are rich people who can reach that area which would leave a bitter taste in local mouths.”

Final action by the Council included a request to NOAA/NOS to support disadvantaged communities in Hawai‘i by exploring statutory options such as those provided within the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

 

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/CouncilMEAFishingRegs and

www.wpcouncil.org/western-pacific-community-development-program.