American Samoa draws attention to USCG’s insufficient response to illegal fishing in Pacific

Honolulu, HAWAII — At the opening of the 200th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council on Monday, September 23, 2025, themes of cultural recognition, indigenous legacies and ocean security of its Pacific members were highlighted by acknowledging their indigenous roots and equity.

The Council meeting is taking place in Honolulu, Hawai’i and will continue to Wednesday, Sept. 25th.

Chairman Will Sword opened the historic session with a prayer in Samoan, reminding members of their mission as servants entrusted with maximizing the use of spiritual gifts.

“The Council’s acknowledgement of the place and people continues its commitment to incorporating indigenous knowledge into fisheries management for the region,” Sword said.

Shae Kamaka‘ala, Chair of the Council’s Indigenous Rights Committee, welcomed members in recognizing that the region encompassing the Council’s jurisdiction has indigenous, ancestral caretakers and pays respect to these longstanding cultural roots.

Her remarks included a statement that “Hawai‘i remains an illegally occupied state of the United States government.”

“It is important for the Council to make a conscious effort to ensure equity in our work and recognize the existence and sovereignty of the indigenous people of the Western Pacific,” commented Kitty Simonds, Council Executive Director.

The Council welcomed Rear Admiral Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) District 14, whose career includes service at the White House as Director of Maritime Security Policy, Arctic Region, on the President’s National Security Staff (NSS); advisor to the National Security Advisor, Homeland Security Advisor and the President.

The Admiral said he appreciated the response the USCG has received from the people in the region and that he was favorably impressed by the Council’s work in protecting fisheries. 

Admiral Regan emphasized the USCG’s mission is to “protect those who serve on the sea, protect against threats emanating from the sea and protect the sea itself.” 

Captain Jennifer Conklin described the USCG’s "Operation Blue Pacific," underscoring its role as a persistent presence of the U.S. government as a trusted partner in enhancing the safety, security and prosperity of the region.

During the meeting, Nate Ilaoa from American Samoa complained that the USCG’s response to American Samoa has not been sufficient.

He said that the Deeds of Cession grants powers to the United States, but also requires protections. He requested the USCG to protect American Samoa from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and foreign incursions and said the territory’s citizens deserve better.

Notable, American Samoa has requested that USCG open an installation in the territory, which has been denied. American Samoa maintains that pressure from illegal foreign fishing fleets has devastating consequences on the local economy and that establishing an USCG installation would lengthen the reach of the Coast Guard’s Sentinel class cutters, which would galvanize partnerships throughout the Southern Pacific with its law enforcement and know-how.

The Council recommended collaboration with USCG to develop a plan for providing assets and resources to the territory, while also making certification courses more accessible to its citizens.

(Sources: CIMSEC- South Pacific/ Oceania; WPRFMC media release)