PACIFIC ISLANDS FISHERY NEWS
Newsletter of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council / Summer 2023 ISSN 2151-2329 (PRINT) ISSN 2151-2337 (ONLINE)
The Governor and other Samoan officials, WPRFMC members and family attended an ‘ava ceremony at the Tufele Cultural Center in Utulei, AS prior to the opening of the Council meeting.
TROLL ON IN TO THIS ISSUE 1 Council and American Samoa Leaders Frustrated by Continued Fishery Management Through Sanctuaries and Monuments in the Pacific 4 Federal Government Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Green Sea Turtle Critical Habitat in Western Pacific Region 5 Fishers Forum Hawai‘i: What’s in the Gut? 6 2022 U.S. Pacific Island Fisheries Reports Highlight Data Trends and Renewed Focus on Fishers’ Perspectives 10 Renegotiations on COFA Withholds Funds from Hawai‘i and US Pacific Territories 11 Severe Storm Disrupts Guam’s Small-Boat Fishery 12 Enhancing Coastal Safety and Empowering Local Fishermen with Wave Buoys and Technology 13 Rising Tides and Changing Times: Climate Change in American Samoa 14 New Outreach Resources 14 Science and Management 101 – Management Unit Species vs Ecosystem Component Species 15 Council Family Updates 16 In Memorium: Paul Bartram 17 Recipe: Crab Cakes 18 Summary of Action Items at the September 2023 Council Meeting 19 Upcoming Events 20 2023 Council Calender
Council and American Samoa Leaders Frustrated by Continued Fishery Management Through Sanctuaries and Monuments in the Pacific American Samoa Governor Stresses Importance of Fisheries and Respect to the U.S. Territory “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 Honor able Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who opened the 195th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council 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 “Respect is a very important aspect to the during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pacific people, and I call on our federal ocean is what has sustained us and will continue to do so for years to come.”
partners to show some respect – sit down However, he stressed the pressure that with us, talk with us and not to us.”
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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2