Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

Congratulations Matt Ramsey and Frank Perez!

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced 22 new and returning members to six of the regional fishery management councils, our key partners in the regional, science-based, and transparent U.S. fishery management process.

Congratulations to returning member Matthew Ramsey (Hawaiʻi) and new member Francisco Perez (Guam) on their appointments to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations, academia, and state and federal agencies. They play a critical role in working toward ending overfishing and rebuilding fish stocks to ensure sustainable fisheries and vibrant coastal communities. Learn more about the members: https://bit.ly/4cFiUFg

Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries

Equity in Fisheries: Balancing Conservation & Livelihoods in the Pacific Islands

The Pledge of Allegiance ends with the phrase “with liberty and justice for all.” U.S. fishermen, who, as children, would recite this every morning before starting school, have come to question this phrase. Today, “justice for all” seems to have forgotten the U.S. Pacific Island fishermen. Between the constant shrinking of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by the federal government decreasing the waters available for fishing, the ever increasing foreign fishing presence on the seas and in the markets, and using the Pacific Islands to shoulder the burden of the American conservation ethos, justice has turned into “just us.” As the pledge of allegiance binds us to the principles of unity and fairness, so too must the U.S. approach to fisheries by providing justice for equitable access, fair treatment of fishing communities and preservation of sustainable fishing.

Read more: https://rb.gy/zm8j2h



Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

Come join us!

https://conta.cc/4aVSsG9

Spring 2024 Pacific Islands Fishery News Check out our quarterly newsletter! Spring 2024 | ISSN 2151-2337 Aloha WPCouncil: Enjoy our latest newsletter. Click on the cover below to view online or download/print the Spring 2024 issue. This spe

The 152nd Scientific & Statistical Committee meeting starts tomorrow!

🗓️ Date: June 11-13, 2024 (Tues-Wed 9am-5pm, Thurs 9am-1pm)
📍 Location: Council Office, 1164 Bishop St., Ste. 1400, Honolulu, .
💻 Hybrid Format: Join us in person or participate remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/152SSCMtg.

Agenda Highlights:
🔹 Review and recommendations for the 2023 Annual Stock Assessment and Evaluation (SAFE) Reports
🔹 Setting acceptable biological catch for 2024-2027 for the Main Hawaiian Islands deep-seven bottomfish fishery (action item)
🔹 Shallow-set longline trip limit review report
🔹 Electronic monitoring pre-implementation program plan review and timeline

Don’t miss this important meeting that will help shape the future of fisheries management in the Western Pacific Region. See you there! 🌊🐟🌴
PC: Abraham Apilado

Hawaii Fishing News Holoholo Page

https://conta.cc/3wO6ZFM

2024 Public Meetings Notice 2024 Public Meetings Notice Hello WPCouncil, The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council announces the following public meetings on fisheries management in offshore waters of Hawai‘i (HI

Come visit the booth tomorrow at the POP Expo in Honolulu! Take our small-boat fisheries survey for a chance to win a great giveaway!

🚨 2 DAYS UNTIL OUR EXPO! 🚨 Save the date and join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9am to 3pm for our 2024 POP Fishing & Marine Expo! For more information, visit our website and click on the Calendar tab. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Let your voice be heard! National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Hawaii – gohawaii.comDLNR will hold the last few in-person meetings this week to gather public input on the proposed National Marine .
Check out the Hot Topics webpage to see recommended regulations for this area (https://www.wpcouncil.org/hot-topics). Public comments are being accepted through May 7, 2024.

April 15, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
76 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720

April 16, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kahaluʻu Kona, Hawaiʻi
Kamehameha Schools, Kahaluʻu Makai Educational Center
78-6780 Aliʻi Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740

April 17, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kahului, Maui
Maui Community College Dining Room
310 W. Kaʻahumanu Avenue
Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732

April 18, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi
Kūlana ʻŌiwi
612 Maunaloa Highway
Kaunakakai, Hawaiʻi 96748

attendee.gotowebinar.com

CHamoru families chenchulu fishing in Talofo’fo’ Bay.

This type of communal, large scale fishing was once common on Guam, but is now rarely seen. Although the word chenchulu is derived from a Spanish term, the practice of using a large surround net that might require dozens of people to trap a school of fish has likely been practiced in the Marianas for thousands of years.

Today marks the official opening of our latest exhibit “I Maneguihan: The Families that Fish.” Biba!

Please come by and check out this free educational exhibit. Visiting hours are Tuesday - Friday from 9 am - 4 pm.

The exhibit is made possible through a partnership between the Guam Museum and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. It is also features the collaboration of the University of Guam, Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam Department of Agriculture (Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources), NOAA Pacific Island Fisheries Sciences Center and the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority.

We were honored to have Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero as one of our guest speakers at the launch event on April 5, 2024, for the new exhibit on ‘I Maneguihan: Families that Fish’ at the Guam Museum co-sponsored by the .

REMINDER: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) will hold the first in-person meetings this week to gather public input on the proposed National Marine . Get involved!

April 8, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Honolulu, Oʻahu
Aloha Tower, Multipurpose Room 3
1 Aloha Tower Drive
Honolulu, ’i 96813

April 9, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Heʻeia State Park
46-465 Kamehameha Hwy
Kāneʻohe, Hawai’i 96744

April 10, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
Waiʻanae District Park Gym
85-601 Farrington Highway
Waiʻanae, Hawai’i 96792

April 11, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Waimea, Kauaʻi
Waimea High School Cafeteria
9707 Tsuchiya Rd
Waimea, Hawaiʻi 96796

April 12, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Hanalei, Kauaʻi
Waipā Foundation - Keanolani Hale
5-5785A Kuhio Highway
Hanalei, Hawaiʻi 96714

REMINDER: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) will hold the first meeting to gather public input on the proposed National Marine tomorrow (Saturday, April 6) at 9 am HST. The meeting will be virtual and you can register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8965381966366040671

Find out more about the proposed designation and how to comment here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea

Get involved! Make your voice heard! NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released for public comment the draft designation documents for the proposed Papahanaumokuakea National Marine . Check out the Hot Topics webpage to see recommended regulations for this area (https://www.wpcouncil.org/hot-topics). Public comments are being accepted through May 7, 2024. NOAA and the Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) will also co-host meetings to gather public input (https://www.wpcouncil.org/public-hearings-notice-proposed-papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary-2).

Find out more about the proposed designation and how to comment here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea

Meetings dates and locations:

April 6, 2024, 9 a.m. to Noon HST - Virtual Meeting (register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8965381966366040671)

April 8, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Honolulu, Oʻahu
Aloha Tower, Multipurpose Room 3
1 Aloha Tower Drive
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813

April 9, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Heʻeia State Park
46-465 Kamehameha Hwy
Kāneʻohe, Hawai’i 96744

April 10, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
Waiʻanae District Park Gym
85-601 Farrington Highway
Waiʻanae, Hawai’i 96792

April 11, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Waimea, Kauaʻi
Waimea High School Cafeteria
9707 Tsuchiya Rd
Waimea, Hawaiʻi 96796

April 12, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Hanalei, Kauaʻi
Waipā Foundation - Keanolani Hale
5-5785A Kuhio Highway
Hanalei, Hawaiʻi 96714

April 15, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
76 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720

April 16, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kahaluʻu Kona, Hawaiʻi
Kamehameha Schools, Kahaluʻu Makai Educational Center
78-6780 Aliʻi Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740

April 17, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kahului, Maui
Maui Community College Dining Room
310 W. Kaʻahumanu Avenue
Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732

April 18, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi
Kūlana ʻŌiwi
612 Maunaloa Highway
Kaunakakai, Hawaiʻi 96748

Press Release from 198th Council Meeting - Fishermen Sound Alarm: US Government Policies Threaten Way of Life in US Pacific Islands
https://tinyurl.com/FishermenSoundAlarm

in federal fishery management! Join us for the Meeting March 18 (M) 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., March 19 (T) 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., March 20 (W) 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (HST) 🐟
Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, HI
🔗 Direct link to the meeting: tinyurl.com/198CouncilMtg
🔒 Password: SSC198mtg

Major agenda items include: Council 2025-2028 program plan and research priorities updates; 2024-2026 Scientific & Statistical Committee plan review; Equity and environmental justice (EEJ) national, regional and local plan review; Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) proposal review; deep-seven and bottomfish stock assessment updates; HI small-boat fisheries project update; and 2023 HI and fishery report review.

March 19 (T) 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Council and Advisory Bodies will have breakout sessions on IRA priority areas and : Implement, Fund, Empower, Advocate (in-person only).

Joint Meeting of the Advisory Panel, Fishing Industry Advisory Committee and Non-Commercial Fishing Advisory Committee
Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom
March 19 (T) 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Major agenda items: IRA and EEJ priorities discussions.

https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/198th-council-meeting

Check out our – “Fish ID 101: Know Your Catch” with host Krystilez
Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, Honolulu, HI
March 18 (M) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (HST)

Accurate fishery is important to make good decisions—but what happens when some fish look alike? Come learn about how to distinguish between similar species and data collection efforts in at this family friendly event.

Radio interview on Hawaii Matters: https://kumu.com/hawaiimatters
www.wpcouncil.org/event/fishers-forum-hawaii-fish-id-101-know-your-catch

Join us this week for the 's Scientific & Statistical Committee (SSC) meeting March 12-14 (T-Th) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST. 🐟 Major agenda items include: Main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 bottomfish and Guam bottomfish stock assessment updates; False killer whale survey and working group updates; Council 2025-2028 program plan and research priorities updates; and 2024-2026 SSC plan review.

1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI
🔗 Direct link to the meeting: tinyurl.com/151SSCMtg
🔒 Password: SSC151mtg

https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/151st-ssc-meeting/

151st SSC Meeting (2024-03-12) Mar. 12-13, 2024 (T-W) Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Hawaii)Mar. 12-13, 2024 (T-W) Time: 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Marianas, Mar 13-14)Mar. 12-13, 2024 (T-W) Time: 6:0

Check out the Winter 2024 issue of the Pacific Islands Fishery News! 🐟https://www.wpcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PIFN-Winter-2024-Final-Web.pdf

Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the world of Pacific Island fisheries! 📰

The Meeting is next week, Dec 12-13 (T-W) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST. 🐟
🔗 Direct link to the meeting: www.tinyurl.com/197CouncilMtg
🔒 Password: CM197mtg
Host sites: 1164 Bishop St., Ste. 1400, Honolulu, HI; Cliff Pointe, Tedi of Samoa Bldg. Ste. 208B, Fagatogo Village, AS; 304 W. O'Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam; BRI Bldg. Ste. 205, Kopa Di Oru St., Garapan, Saipan, CNMI

Major agenda items include:
1) Final Action: Fishing regulations in proposed Pacific Remote Islands national marine sanctuary
2) Final Action: Hawaii FEP uku essential fish habitat revision amendment
3) Final Action: Multi-year U.S. Territorial bigeye tuna catch limit and allocation specifications
4) Final Action: bottomfish rebuilding plan discontinuation and 2024-2026 ACLs
5) Inflation Reduction Act proposal discussion
6) Council Western and Central Pacific Ocean longline management workshops and international meetings

Your input and participation are crucial as we shape the future of our fisheries. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard!
www.wpcouncil.org/event/197th-council-meeting

Check out the Fall 2023 issue of the Pacific Islands Fishery News! 🐟
https://www.wpcouncil.org/fall-2023-pifn/

Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the world of Pacific Island fisheries! 📰

Join us for the 's Scientific & Statistical Committee meeting starting today, Nov 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST. 🐟 We'll be talking about fishing regulations in the proposed Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Sanctuary (action item); the HI Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan uku essential fish habitat revision amendment (action item); Multi-year U.S. Territorial bigeye tuna catch limit and allocation specifications (action item); Council research priorities review and 2024-2026 SSC plan development, among other topics.

🔗 Direct link to the meeting: tinyurl.com/150SSCMtg
🔒 Password: SSC150mtg
Full agenda, meeting docs and more are available on our website: https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/150th-scientific-and-statistical-committee/
PC: Jeremy Martins

Happy Photo Friday! Want some insider fishing tips from the pros? Check out this story and links to the Pacific Island Fisheries Group’s video series, Pro Fishing Tips": https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/learn-how-fish-pros-hawaii
PC: PIFG


NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands
Pacific Island Fisheries Group

Vacancy Announcement - Tuna Fishery Economics and Policy Analyst

The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources ( ) in is hiring a fishery and analyst on a one-year contract basis. The successful applicant will analyze the tuna fishery economics (cannery, purse seine and longline fisheries) of American Samoa towards developing policies that will sustain its economy. The position is not necessarily based in American Samoa.

Questions or to request full Position Description? Contact:
Domingo Ochavillo, PhD (ochavill at gmail dot com)
Chief Fisheries Biologist, DMWR
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
(684) 633-4456

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume with a short list of relevant publications/reports, and three references to:
Taotasi Archie Soliai (archie.soliai at gmail dot com)
Director, DMWR
Pago Pago, American Samoa 97699

American Samoa Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources

October is . The United States is recognized as a global leader in . U.S. fishermen operate under some of the most robust and transparent environmental standards in the world.

Head on down to your local seafood market and support locally caught seafood!
https://www.honolulumagazine.com/reel-deal-pier-38
PC: Aaron K. Yoshino

Join us for the Meeting Sept 18-20 (M-W) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST. 🐟
🔗 Direct link to the meeting: tinyurl.com/196WPCouncilMtg
🔒 Password: SSC196mtg

Major agenda items include:
1) Final Action: 2024 U.S. Territorial bigeye tuna catch limit and allocation specifications.
2) Action Item: Fishing regulation options in proposed PRIA national marine sanctuary.
3) Action Item: and Marine Conservation Plans review.
4) Action Item: bottomfish rebuilding plan discontinuation and ACLs for 2024-2027.
5) Deep 7 stock assessment.
6) Proposed green sea turtle critical habitat designation update.
7️) Addressing in fisheries management.
8️) Council program planning and multi-year priorities.
9) Electronic monitoring options in Western Pacific longline fisheries.

Your input and participation are crucial as we shape the future of our fisheries. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard!
https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/196th-council-meeting

196th Council Meeting (2023-09-18) Sept. 18-20, 2023 (M-W) Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Hawaii) ……………………… . .Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. (American Samoa) Sept. 19-21, 2023 (Tu-Th) Time: 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Marianas) Location: Hybrid for members and public; in-person attendan

Join us for the 's Scientific & Statistical Committee meeting Sept 12-14 (T-Th) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST. 🐟 We've got an exciting agenda with action items like managing the American Samoa bottomfish stock, specifying U.S. Territorial bigeye tuna catch limits, and more.

We'll also dive into important topics like the main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 bottomfish stock assessment, electronic monitoring scenarios in Western Pacific longline fisheries, and climate change in fishery management priorities.

🔗 Direct link to the meeting: tinyurl.com/149SSCMtg
🔒 Password: SSC149mtg

Let's work together to make informed decisions for sustainable fisheries and a healthier ocean environment! 🌏🐠 https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/149th-scientific-and-statistical-committee

PC: NOAA Fisheries