Saving Seafood

News for the Western Pacific Region

Autonomous Vehicles Powered by Ocean Waves Support NOAA Fisheries Research

December 4, 2023 — Scientists from NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center are using autonomous surface vehicles called Wave Gliders to study ocean health in Hawaiʻi. Wave Gliders are circumnavigating each of the Hawaiian Islands. They’re collecting data on ocean conditions that will be used to help estimate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and fisheries across the state.

“We are primarily interested in measuring chlorophyll, which provides a good estimate of phytoplankton biomass in the ocean,” said Dr. Jamison Gove, an oceanographer with the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and co-lead scientist on the project. “Phytoplankton are the basis for productive and healthy ecosystems, so knowing where and how much phytoplankton there are in the ocean aids in understanding the entire marine food-web,” added Dr. Gove.

The Building Blocks of Ocean Ecosystems

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live near the ocean surface. They are similar to land-based plants: They contain chlorophyll and require sunlight to live and grow. Phytoplankton are the base of the food chain. Their biomass—the total amount of them in a given region of the ocean—dictates fisheries yields and ecosystem productivity across the world.

Read the full story at NOAA Fisheries

Scientists Caution Against Unintended Repercussions of Unnecessary US Pacific Remote Islands Fishing Regulations

December 1, 2o23 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Science advisors to the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council expressed deep concerns at their meeting this week about the potential negative unintended consequences of adding more fishing limits in the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands (PRI). 

The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) was tasked with evaluating current fishing regulations in the PRI, commenting on their comprehensiveness and assessing the scientific justification for more regulations. SSC members reaffirmed their recommendation from the September meeting that existing regulations are sufficient to meet the goals and objectives of the proposed PRI National Marine Sanctuary. The SSC found no scientific evidence to support additional fishing regulations and cautioned further limits on the U.S. fleet could have negative impacts on the region.

“The burden of conservation will continue to fall on the shoulders of the Pacific Island communities, and additional regulations may limit future economic opportunities,” said SSC member Debra Cabrera, University of Guam (UOG).

“I would not like to see any interruptions to ongoing data collection efforts in the area like biosampling and tagging that is dependent on the fishery,” added SSC member David Itano, fisheries consultant.

SSC member Steve Martell, Sea State Inc., noted “further restrictions could displace fleets into areas that may have higher bycatch rates or limits, thereby causing a larger adverse effect on protected species populations.”

The NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center published a technical memorandum this month estimating the economic contributions of U.S. commercial fisheries to American Samoa. The report documents that hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs are directly or indirectly supported by commercial fisheries. SSC members emphasized a loss of fish supplying the cannery could be devastating, and closing waters from 50-200 nm will only further disadvantage the U.S. fleet that is already on shaky footing. 

SSC members had significant concerns about the equity and environmental justice implications that the proposed sanctuary and existing marine national monuments impose on the underserved community of American Samoa and the broader Pacific Islands Region.

“I’m not only worried about the lack of U.S. footprint in those waters and the risk of foreign fleet incursions, but also the inequity in terms of Pacific Island communities who are disproportionately affected and bear the brunt of the impacts,” said SSC member Frank Camacho, UOG.

Another member noted there has been substantial outcry in American Samoa over the proposed sanctuary, which is viewed as a major threat to the economy. SSC Chair and general counsel Jim Lynch said, “Additional fishing regulations would be counterproductive to efforts to get better data from fishing communities that are disadvantaged and rely on subsistence or fisheries to make a living.” 

The Council recognizes the importance of striking a balance between conservation goals and the economic and cultural well-being of Pacific Island communities. The discussions underscore the need for careful consideration of potential negative unintended consequences and the importance of data-driven decision-making. As required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Council will continue to engage with stakeholders, evaluate scientific information, and collaborate with relevant agencies. This ensures any proposed fishing regulations for the PRI National Marine Sanctuary align with the best available science, promote sustainability, and take into account the unique circumstances of the region.

The SSC also discussed a revised timeline for the Guam bottomfish stock estimation. Before being used in fishery management, stock assessments undergo a peer review process known as a Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review. The WPSAR framework includes a schedule of intermediary update reviews, adding years of data only, between benchmark reviews that incorporate significant changes to previous assessments, such as a new model type. 

For the first time, PIFSC will hold a WPSAR in July 2024 to focus on reviewing existing data before incorporating the improved information into a benchmark stock assessment. The 2019 assessment, which found the Guam bottomfish stock to be overfished, but no overfishing was occurring, will be updated in February 2024 to provide a revised annual catch limit in the interim. The Western Pacific Region is fishery data-poor, which can impact model assessments. WPSAR is a cooperative effort between the Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service and includes SSC members as the Chair and/or reviewers on its panel.

Hing Ling Chan. 2023. Economic Contributions of U.S. Commercial Fisheries in American Samoa. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-PIFSC-151, 35 p. doi:10.25923/x904-a830. Available online at: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/55943

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 (National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant); Donald Kobayashi (NMFS PIFSC); Steve Martell (Sea State Inc.); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources); Graham Pilling (The Pacific Community); Craig Severance (University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, retired); Francisco Villagomez (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Division of Fish & Wildlife); Charles Littnan (ex-officio) (NMFS PIFSC).

Feds move to designate islands as critical habitat for coral species

November 30, 2023 — The National Marine Fisheries Service issued a proposed rule Wednesday to designate 16 islands as critical habitat for five Indo-Pacific coral species listed under the Endangered Species Act, a move mostly linked to climate change.

A designation of critical habitat requires federal agencies to ensure their actions don’t destroy or negatively impact those areas, or pose any risk to species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The designation potentially could focus preservation efforts among others, including state and local governments, individuals and private organizations.

Many coral species have experienced population loss and continue to face threats like ocean warming, diseases, the effects of fishing and land-based pollution.

“We determined that these species are likely to become endangered throughout their ranges within the foreseeable future as a result of a combination of threats, the most severe of which are related to climate change,” the fisheries service stated in a report.

Read the full article at Courthouse News Service

Scientists Caution Against Unintended Repercussions of Unnecessary US Pacific Remote Islands Fishing Regulations

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

Science advisors to the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council expressed deep concerns at their meeting this week about the potential negative unintended consequences of adding more fishing limits in the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands (PRI). 

The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) was tasked with evaluating current fishing regulations in the PRI, commenting on their comprehensiveness and assessing the scientific justification for more regulations. SSC members reaffirmed their recommendation from the September meeting that existing regulations are sufficient to meet the goals and objectives of the proposed PRI National Marine Sanctuary. The SSC found no scientific evidence to support additional fishing regulations and cautioned further limits on the U.S. fleet could have negative impacts on the region. 

“The burden of conservation will continue to fall on the shoulders of the Pacific Island communities, and additional regulations may limit future economic opportunities,” said SSC member Debra Cabrera, University of Guam (UOG).

“I would not like to see any interruptions to ongoing data collection efforts in the area like biosampling and tagging that is dependent on the fishery,” added SSC member David Itano, fisheries consultant.

SSC member Steve Martell, Sea State Inc., noted “further restrictions could displace fleets into areas that may have higher bycatch rates or limits, thereby causing a larger adverse effect on protected species populations.”

The NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center published a technical memorandum this month estimating the economic contributions of U.S. commercial fisheries to American Samoa. The report documents that hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs are directly or indirectly supported by commercial fisheries. SSC members emphasized a loss of fish supplying the cannery could be devastating, and closing waters from 50-200 nm will only further disadvantage the U.S. fleet that is already on shaky footing. 

SSC members had significant concerns about the equity and environmental justice implications that the proposed sanctuary and existing marine national monuments impose on the underserved community of American Samoa and the broader Pacific Islands Region.

“I’m not only worried about the lack of U.S. footprint in those waters and the risk of foreign fleet incursions, but also the inequity in terms of Pacific Island communities who are disproportionately affected and bear the brunt of the impacts,” said SSC member Frank Camacho, UOG.

Another member noted there has been substantial outcry in American Samoa over the proposed sanctuary, which is viewed as a major threat to the economy. SSC Chair and general counsel Jim Lynch said, “Additional fishing regulations would be counterproductive to efforts to get better data from fishing communities that are disadvantaged and rely on subsistence or fisheries to make a living.”

The Council recognizes the importance of striking a balance between conservation goals and the economic and cultural well-being of Pacific Island communities. The discussions underscore the need for careful consideration of potential negative unintended consequences and the importance of data-driven decision-making. As required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Council will continue to engage with stakeholders, evaluate scientific information, and collaborate with relevant agencies. This ensures any proposed fishing regulations for the PRI National Marine Sanctuary align with the best available science, promote sustainability, and take into account the unique circumstances of the region.

The SSC also discussed a revised timeline for the Guam bottomfish stock estimation. Before being used in fishery management, stock assessments undergo a peer review process known as a Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review. The WPSAR framework includes a schedule of intermediary update reviews, adding years of data only, between benchmark reviews that incorporate significant changes to previous assessments, such as a new model type.

For the first time, PIFSC will hold a WPSAR in July 2024 to focus on reviewing existing data before incorporating the improved information into a benchmark stock assessment. The 2019 assessment, which found the Guam bottomfish stock to be overfished, but no overfishing was occurring, will be updated in February 2024 to provide a revised annual catch limit in the interim. The Western Pacific Region is fishery data-poor, which can impact model assessments. WPSAR is a cooperative effort between the Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service and includes SSC members as the Chair and/or reviewers on its panel.

 Hing Ling Chan. 2023. Economic Contributions of U.S. Commercial Fisheries in American Samoa. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-PIFSC-151, 35 p. doi:10.25923/x904-a830. Available online at: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/55943

Pacific Remote Islands Sanctuary, Hawai‘i Uku EFH and Bigeye Tuna Management on Agenda for Scientists at Next Meeting

November 25, 2023 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Scientific advisors to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet Nov. 28-29, 2023, to provide advice and comments on the proposed Pacific Remote Islands (PRI) sanctuary, uku essential fish habitat (EFH) revision for the Hawai‘i Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP), U.S. territorial bigeye tuna catch and allocation limits, and other topics.

The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting will be held remotely via web conference. The full agenda, background documents and instructions for connecting to the meeting and providing oral public comments are available at www.wpcouncil.org/event/150th-scientific-and-statistical-committee.

National Marine Sanctuary in PRI

The SSC will be reviewing the available scientific information and discussing whether the existing fishing regulations in the Pacific Remote Islands (PRI) are sufficient for a proposed national marine sanctuary. The SSC may provide recommendations to the Council regarding: 1) whether existing regulations provide comprehensive and long-lasting protection for the PRI, and 2) whether there is science to show conservation benefits that justify further fishing prohibitions. The proposed sanctuary overlays the current PRI Marine National Monument and would create duplicative management regimes, which is a waste of taxpayers’ hard-earned income. 

In September 2023, the Council preliminarily found that the existing fishing regulations under the current structure may already meet the goals and objectives of the proposed sanctuary, in alignment with the SSC’s recommendation. The Council will consider additional information at its December meeting before taking final action on the fishing regulations. The final decision is due to NOAA by Dec. 20, 2023.

In March 2023, President Biden directed the Secretary of Commerce to consider making the PRI Marine National Monument and additional areas within the U.S. exclusive economic zone into a national marine sanctuary. On June 23, the Council received the official sanctuary proposal, which requested the Council’s assistance in formulating fishing regulations.

The Council has been putting fishing regulations into place for the PRI FEP since 1986, such as requirements for permits and reporting on protected species interactions and bycatch, gear restrictions and vessel limits. There are additional fishing regulations for the Monument that prohibit commercial fishing within 0-50 nautical miles around Howland, Baker and Jarvis Islands and Palmyra Atoll, and 0-200 nm around Johnston Atoll, Wake Island and Kingman Reef.

Hawai‘i Uku EFH Revision

The Council is taking final action to refine EFH designations for main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) uku (grey snapper) in its Hawai‘i Archipelago FEP. The SSC may provide recommendations to the Council on the appropriate use of new data in revising existing EFH.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act defines EFH as waters and substrate necessary for fish spawning, breeding, feeding and growth to maturity. EFH for uku was initially designated in 2009 and revised in 2016. Two new models reviewed in 2022 redefined uku EFH around Hawai‘i, and were recognized as the best scientific information available by the Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review process and the SSC.

At its June meeting, the SSC recommended using Level 1 model data (presence/absence) for refining uku EFH in the Hawai‘i FEP and discussed data inputs, especially for regions with high commercial uku catch like Penguin Bank. The SSC’s input will guide the Council in determining EFH for uku in Hawai‘i, with the goal of ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines, supporting economic and social benefits, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the MHI uku stock and habitat. The refined models will be considered by the Council at its December meeting, following recommendations from the SSC.

Bigeye Tuna Management in the Pacific

At its December 2023 meeting, the Council will consider taking final action on the specification of the 2024-2026 bigeye tuna limits for U.S. territories and catch transfer limits under the Pacific Pelagic FEP. The SSC will discuss a 2023 stock assessment that indicates the bigeye tuna stock in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean is not subject to overfishing and catch amounts could be significantly increased without posing a risk of overfishing. The SSC may provide advice to the Council regarding the catch and allocation limits based on the new information.

The SSC members will also discuss and may provide input to the Council on several presentations on its Inflation Reduction Act proposal and research priorities for the next few years.

Recommendations made by the SSC will be considered by the Council when it meets virtually Dec. 11-12, 2023, with host sites at 1164 Bishop St., Ste. 1400, Honolulu, HI; Cliff Pointe, Tedi of Samoa Bldg. Ste. 208B, Fagatogo Village, American Samoa; 304 W. O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam; BRI Bldg. Ste. 205, Kopa Di Oru St., Garapan, Saipan, CNMI. Instructions on connecting to the web conference, agendas and briefing documents are posted at www.wpcouncil.org/event/197th-council-meeting.

Thailand’s proposed rollback of fisheries reforms worries NGOs

November 21, 2023 — Thailand has proposed a reversal of a series of fisheries reforms it implemented over the past eight years.

The move has ignited concern among NGOs and international representatives who fear the lawlessness and lack of oversight that once defined the country’s fishing sector may return. In a letter issued in October 2023, a coalition of 84 civil society organizations, including the Environmental Justice Foundation, Greenpeace, Conservation International, Oxfam, and Oceana collectively urged Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to oppose any rollback.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Fleets of Force

November 18, 2023 — Beijing says many of these boats are just fishing. But they bristle with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and high-velocity water cannons. They’re here for intimidation

This fleet, built largely with government money, helps China dominate one of the most crucial and disputed waterways in the world: the South China Sea.

Working in tandem with an aggressive coast guard, these militarized fishing boats assert Beijing’s presence more than 1,000 miles from the Chinese mainland.

The boats patrol the tiny, disputed Spratly islets. Their reinforced steel hulls make it easy to ram smaller boats. They swarm other countries’ outposts and squat on shoals within sight of foreign coastlines.

In confrontations with China’s militarized fleet, like this one on Oct. 22, the Philippines’ smaller boats don’t stand a chance. China’s muscle is crucial to its de facto control over the South China Sea.

Read the full article at the New York Times

Three issues concerning Am Samoa to be considered by Westpac

November 16, 2023 — The 197th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will convene December 12-13, 2023, by web conference (Webex).

Of particular interest to American Samoa are:

Fishing Regulations for the Proposed Pacific Remote Island National Marine Sanctuary;

• Discontinuing the Rebuilding Plan and Annual Catch Limit Specifications for the American Samoa Bottomfish Fishery for 2024-2026; and

• Amending the Multi-year US Territorial Bigeye Tuna Catch Limit and Allocation Specification Action

Read the full article at Samoa News

China leads list of labor abusers, sometimes akin to slavery, detected on fishing vessels worldwide

November 15, 2023 — Hazardous, forced work conditions sometimes akin to slavery have been detected on nearly 500 industrial fishing vessels around the world, but identifying those responsible for abuses at sea is hampered by a lack of transparency and regulatory oversight, a new report concluded.

The research by the Financial Transparency Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that tracks illicit money flows, is the most comprehensive attempt to date to identify the companies operating vessels where tens of thousands of workers every year are estimated to be trapped in unsafe conditions.

The report, published Wednesday, found that a quarter of vessels suspected of abusing workers are flagged to China, whose distant water fleet dominates fishing on the high seas, traditionally lawless areas beyond the jurisdiction of any single country. Vessels from Russia, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea were also accused of mistreatment of fishers.

Read the full article at the Associated Press

HAWAII: From Ocean to Plate: How the Longline Fishery Feeds Hawaiʻi

November 1, 2023 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

The Pacific Islands have a long history and deep connection with the ocean and all it provides. Sustainable seafood is key to the health and well-being of both the people and the economy. The fishing and seafood industry in Hawaiʻi supports thousands of jobs and generates more than $1 billion in sales each year. This video tracks the path fish caught in the Hawaiʻi longline fishery, such as yellowfin tuna and swordfish, takes from the ocean to your plate—in the form of poke bowls, sushi, and other delicious meals.

The fleet efficiently distributes its harvest to the local seafood community—while retaining its premium quality—through the Honolulu Fish Auction. The auction is the anchor for the commercial fishing industry; it starts between midnight and 1 a.m. each day, when boats begin unloading. Hundreds of fish are carefully inspected to ensure quality and then displayed on the refrigerated auction block, and bidding begins at 5:30 a.m. Restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers bid on seafood that they know will be both fresh and high quality.

Fortunately for fans of U.S. seafood, thriving and resilient seafood communities—like the Hawaiʻi longline fishery—is the goal of NOAA Fisheries’ National Seafood Strategy.