Am Samoa Fishery Council members raise concerns over proposed Giant Clam endangered species listing

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa's members of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) and their Advisory Chairman for American Samoa have expressed strong opposition to the federal government's proposed listing of certain species of giant clams as endangered or threatened.

During the 200th Meeting of the WPRFMC, Chairman Taulapapa Will Sword, Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) Director Taotasi Archie Soliai, and Advisory Chairman Nate Ilaoa spoke out against the proposed listing, citing concerns about its potential impact on Samoan culture, food security, and the overall well-being of the community.

Sword and Soliai emphasized the cultural significance of giant clams to Samoan people. They explained that these marine creatures have been an integral part of Samoan traditions and livelihoods for generations, serving as a source of food and cultural items. The proposed listing, they argued, could have far-reaching consequences for Samoan communities, threatening their traditional way of life and potentially leading to economic hardship.

Ilaoa raised concerns about the process for soliciting public comments on the proposed listing. He criticized the lack of adequate notice and outreach to Samoan communities, arguing that many people were unaware of the opportunity to provide input. Additionally, Ilaoa pointed out that the public meetings held to discuss the proposed listing were not accessible to all Samoan residents due to language barriers. He called for more inclusive and equitable processes in the future.

All three speakers criticized NOAA Fisheries for its failure to consult with Samoan leaders and communities prior to initiating the listing process. They argued that such consultation is essential for understanding the unique cultural and economic needs of the region and for developing effective conservation measures.

Their opposition to the proposed giant clam listing highlights the importance of considering the social, cultural, and economic impacts of conservation measures. By working together with local communities, federal agencies can develop more sustainable and equitable approaches to protecting endangered species.