Le Vasa Pathways

07/06/2025

Talofa Manu'a Residents!

Your voice is essential for the future of American Samoa's fisheries! The Pacific Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) wants to hear from our fishermen at upcoming community meetings.
While science gives us a broad view, your first-hand knowledge and observations as fishers are crucial. You see the subtle changes in our local fishing grounds due to climate change and other impacts.
Share Your Insights!

These meetings are your chance to:
* Share on-the-ground insights
* Discuss concerns
* Identify needs
* Offer ideas

Your unique perspective helps us make informed decisions and build a stronger future for our fishing communities!

Meeting Schedule

We invite all fishermen and interested community members to attend:

For Manu’a Residents on Tutuila:
* 📅 When: June 24, 6:00 PM
* 📍 Where: Upstairs Room at Goat Island Cafe, Utulei Village (Sadies Upstairs Room)

For Ofu & Olosega Islands:
* 📅 When: June 25, 1:00 PM
* 📍 Where: Conference Room at EOB, Ofu Village (ASG Building Ofu)

For Ta’u Island:
* 📅 When: June 26, 10:30 AM
* 📍 Where: ASG Building by the High School, Faleasao Village (ASG Building Ta'u Village)

These important meetings are part of the IRA Community Consultation priority. Please come and share your invaluable knowledge to help inform the future of our fisheries. We look forward to seeing you there!

PC: NPS American Samoa
Manu'atele Community Worldwide

02/06/2025

🎣 Important Meeting for American Samoa's Fishing Community! 🇦🇸

📢 Attention American Samoa! 📢

The Fishing Industry Advisory Committee (FIAC) is holding a crucial public meeting today, Monday, June 2, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (HST). This is your chance to hear about topics vital to our local tuna industry – a true cornerstone of American Samoa's economy!
Your participation helps you stay informed about the fisheries that supply our region, supporting our cannery and so many livelihoods.

Here's what's on the agenda that directly impacts American Samoa:
* 👨‍🏫 Crew Training Requirements for Hawaii and American Samoa Longline Fisheries.
* 💻 Updates on Electronic Monitoring (EM) in Hawaii and American Samoa Longline Fisheries.
* 📈 Roundtable Discussion on Fishing/Market Issues & Impacts.
* 📝 Review of Past FIAC Recommendations and opportunity for new discussions!

Don't miss out on gaining insight into the discussions shaping our local and regional fisheries!

💻 How to Join Remotely:
* Date: Today, Monday, June 2, 2025
* Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (HST)
* Webex Link: https://wprfmc.webex.com/wprfmc/j.php?MTID=m279e99fbe065698af36a1669a9a66a50

* Event Number: 2866 034 0057
* Event Password: FIAC0602mtg (or 34220603 from phones)

We encourage you to join remotely to listen and learn about these important topics directly affecting our community and the regional tuna industry. See you there!

29/05/2025

📢 American Samoa Fisheries Update! 🎣
Last night, our American Samoa Advisory Panel for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council met to discuss important recommendations for the American Samoa longline fishery. Here's a quick summary of what was recommended:
☑Crew Training: The AP recommends implementing a crew training requirement with a 2-year certification duration (Alternative 1, Sub-alternative 1b). This aligns well with the typical 2-year contracts of many foreign crew members in our longline fleet.
☑Electronic Monitoring (EM): The AP advises implementing a mandatory EM program (Alternative 2a) for both Hawaii and American Samoa longline fisheries, with random selection of vessels.
☑EM Cost Allocation: Crucially, the AP strongly recommends that Federal (NMFS) funding cover the costs of EM implementation (Alternative A). This is vital to avoid adding financial strain to our longline fleet, which is already facing economic hardship, especially since the agency will see cost savings by transitioning from human observers to EM.
These recommendations aim to ensure the sustainability and effective management of our valuable longline fishery by avoiding having any further cost burdens put on the fleet which is currently experiencing severe conditions. We'll keep you updated as these discussions progress to the upcoming 203rd Council Meeting!

28/05/2025

Hawaii Longline Association Executive Director Eric Kingma with some great information about the areas to be opened up by the recent presidential order and proclamation.

The Hawaii Longline Association called commercial fishing in the vast and deep waters around the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument “sustainable and highly monitored” a day after President Donald Trump lifted a ban
imposed by former P...

27/05/2025

Talofa Amerika Samoa! 👋 Important announcement!

The American Samoa Fisheries Advisory Panel meeting is TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (SST). Don't miss this chance to share your thoughts on our fisheries! 🐠🐟

Here's what's on the agenda:
📊 Review of the 2024 American Samoa SAFE Report
💻 Electronic Monitoring (EM) in longline fisheries
⚓ Crew training requirements
💰 Council Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Projects
📋 AP's 2025 Strategic Planning
📄Download the agenda here: 👇🏽
https://www.wpcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/May-2025-AS-AP-Public-Agenda.pdf

How to Join:

In person: Tedi of Samoa Bldg., Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, AS
Join remotely via Webex: Can't make it in person? No problem! 👇🏽
Link: https://wprfmc.webex.com/wprfmc/j.php?MTID=m5dffba2633a6c16c39596c13913a48c9
Event number: 2862 514 0731
Event password: ASAP0527mtg (27270528 from phones)

Your voice is vital for the future of our ocean resources! See you there! 🌊

27/05/2025

Hey American Samoa! 🎣 Want to better understand our island's vital fisheries?

☑️ The Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) is a nationally recognized program, "by fishermen, for fishermen," that demystifies marine fisheries science and management. It provides a neutral platform for you to learn the "nuts and bolts" of the process and effectively engage with groups like the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

☑️ The first MREP workshop for the Western Pacific was held in Honolulu and strongly represented by American Samoa. Participants from various backgrounds — including fishermen, former DMWR directors, Council advisors, business owners, and educators — gained deep insights into fisheries science and management. They explored everything from ocean conditions to market sales, visited the Honolulu Fish Auction and the NOAA Inouye Regional Center for hands-on learning, and connected directly with scientists and managers. This workshop also fostered new connections and strengthened bonds among island communities.

If you'd like to participate in the next MREP Workshop for the Western Pacific Region, click the link below! 👇🏾
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPa5TT7OIsqQ4g7z1GCiC5BER9AJL9HLS4KeyWbx6lY1S6eA/viewform
Stay tuned for details on the next MREP workshop! It's your chance to connect with experts, build your understanding, and help shape the future of our fisheries! 🌊🐠✨

27/05/2025

📢 American Samoa Fishing Community! 🇦🇸⚓️

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's 203rd meeting is set for June 9-11, 2025, and will cover key items for our longline fleet:

Key Action Items:
Crew Training Requirement: The Council is considering making protected species handling and release training mandatory for American Samoa and Hawaii longline crew. This aims to reduce post-release mortality of protected species, and NMFS plans to offer the training at no cost. At least one certified crew member would be required per vessel.

Electronic Monitoring (EM) Implementation: The Council will also discuss authorizing and implementing electronic monitoring systems in the Hawaii and American Samoa longline fisheries. The primary goal is to monitor protected species interactions. A key decision point will be Cost Allocation, with options ranging from NMFS fully funding the program to industry bearing the costs, potentially up to $12,000 annually per vessel.

Our vital longline fleet is the largest locally-based fishery in American Samoa, crucial to our local tuna industry and economy. These decisions will directly impact our community's future!

Stay informed! 🎣🇦🇸

19/12/2024

Le Vasa Pathways organization blog post #1: The need to build capacity and create stewards of the ocean https://wix.to/a8nOI96

Fisheries have played a central role in American Samoan culture and society since long before Western contact. The islands’ history and way of life, fa’a Samoa, are inextricably linked to the ocean. However, the role of fishing in the territory has undergone dramatic changes over the past 50 yea...