About the American Samoa Fisheries Task Force
An advisory body bringing together government, science, industry, and community to develop coordinated fisheries recommendations for the Governor.
The American Samoa Fisheries Task Force was re-established by Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula through Executive Order No. 003-26.
The Task Force serves as an advisory body to the Governor and develops coordinated, strategic recommendations on fisheries development, economic sustainability, marine resource access, regulatory coordination, commercial and small-boat fisheries, long-term planning, federal fisheries matters, regional fisheries management, international tuna negotiations, and fisheries-related legislative or regulatory proposals.
The Task Force brings together representatives with experience in territorial government, fisheries science, commercial fishing, small-boat fishing, tuna processing, sport fishing, and the broader community.
The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources provides administrative support to the Task Force, including meeting coordination, records, communications, and report preparation.
Three Levels of Fisheries Management
American Samoa Waters
The American Samoa Government has primary fisheries management authority within territorial waters. DMWR manages territorial fisheries through local law, regulation, monitoring, permitting, enforcement, community partnerships, and fisheries programs.
Federal Waters
Federal fisheries are managed under United States law through NOAA Fisheries and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, together with other applicable federal authorities.
Regional and International Fisheries
Tuna and other highly migratory fish move across national boundaries and the high seas. American Samoa therefore participates in regional and international fisheries management, including the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Many of the most important fisheries issues facing American Samoa cross these boundaries. One purpose of the Fisheries Task Force is to help the Territory develop coordinated positions instead of treating territorial, federal, and international issues separately.
An Advisory Body
The Fisheries Task Force is an advisory body. It does not independently issue fishing regulations, licenses, permits, or enforcement actions. Regulatory authority remains with the appropriate territorial and federal authorities.