PACIFIC ISLANDS FISHERY NEWS Newsletter of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council / Winter 2025 ISSN 2151-2329 (PRINT) ISSN 2151-2337 (ONLINE)
Welcoming the White House Administration and Embracing America’s Next Chapter
TROLL ON IN TO THIS ISSUE 1 A New Era, A Bold Future 4 201st Council Meeting Highlights December 16-17, 2024 5 Integrating Traditional Fishermen’s Knowledge into Annual Fishery Reports 6 Fishing Community, Federal and State Partnerships Essential to Improve Hawai‘i Uku Catch Estimate 7 Newly Elected American Samoa Governor Pula Prioritizes Economic Growth 7 CNMI Fishing Clubs Reel in New Opportunities with Sustainable Fisheries Funds 8 Making Waves: A Great Start to the Year for Capacity Building in CNMI 9 Council’s Speakers Bureau Connects Students to Fishing Knowledge 10 Council Family Updates 11 Congressional Corner 12 2025 Council Calendar 12 Upcoming Events
Fisherman at sunrise in Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa. Photo: Ed Watamura. “The Golden Age of America begins right now,” proclaimed President Donald J. Trump at his inauguration back in January. As the United States embarks on this new chapter with a new, but familiar, White House administration, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council looks ahead with a sense of renewal, unity and purpose. The coming years will be marked by historic milestones that define who we are as a nation— not just in the halls of government, but in our economic resilience, global leadership and commitment to sustainable resource management. During this next administration, Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) and observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. On the global stage, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics will mark additional celebrations and responsibilities. These historic milestones come at a time when the Trump administration has emphasized reducing regulatory burdens, prioritizing American industries, fostering economic growth and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources. The Council hopes that this term also celebrates the fisheries that make America great, and the fishers and fishing communities that make the country proud and prosperous. Tuna fisheries are the greatest natural resource in the Pacific and economic commonality with Pacific Islands. The Pacific Islands are crucial for maintaining U.S. influence and countering competition with China. For the U.S. fishing industry—an industry integral to the economic and cultural fabric of the Western Pacific—this presents an opportunity to enhance fisheries management and strengthen our role in domestic and international markets. The Council recognizes the potential of this administration to make significant strides in fisheries policy. Our region has unique opportunities that align with the administration’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 2