South Pacific albacore is the principal target of the American Samoa longline fishery and an important part of the Territory's tuna economy. Decisions about the future management and allocation of the stock are made through the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), where the interests of many fishing nations and territories meet.
The Fisheries Task Force is helping develop a coordinated American Samoa position as the Commission considers future management measures for South Pacific albacore.
American Samoa's priorities
- Maintaining a viable local longline fishery based in Pago Pago
- Recognition of the Territory's historical participation in the fishery and its economic dependence on it
- Protecting future fishing opportunities for American Samoa vessels and the shoreside businesses they support
The Task Force will continue working with the Governor's Office, DMWR, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, and federal partners as these discussions move forward. Updates will be posted here and on the Meetings page as publicly releasable information becomes available.