DMWR vessel adds critical tool to protecting our ocean resources

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A christening ceremony for the Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources’ (DMWR) brand new state-of-the-art research vessel which has been named “Puna’oaolevasa,” was held yesterday morning at the Malaloa Marina.

The new double-hull aluminum alia is 32 feet long and 12 feet wide, and was built locally by Industrial Gases Ltd. in Tafuna under the supervision of Andy Wearing for about five months, according to general manager Peter Crispin.

The opening prayer was conducted by Rev. Sio Opeta of the CCCAS Atu’u who delivered a brief message from the book of Genesis which tells the story of how God created the earth and everything in it.

Rev. Opeta quoted from Genesis Chapter 1, Verse 18, “So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”

He focused on the phrase, “And God saw that it was good,” and explained that God was affirming its original design and intent to reflect and display His good character, power, and nature. 

Rev. Opeta pointed out that we as the capstone of God’s creation are obligated to protect, preserve and perpetuate all that He had created, and stated that the new vessel “Puna’oaolevasa” will no doubt help DMWR to carry out this obligation not only to the people of American Samoa but also to God the Creator.

This was followed by remarks from Lt. Governor La’apui E.V. Ale who spoke on behalf of the government and revealed that one of Governor Lemanu P.S Mauga's priorities was to acquire assets and infrastructure that will assist the government  to perform its responsibilities to the people of American Samoa.

“Perhaps the most intriguing and important part of this new facility we are celebrating today, is that it was created right here in American Samoa by our very own Mr. Crispin and his crew,” Lt. Governor La’apui acknowledged.

“And that is exactly what Governor Lemanu and his administration want, to create opportunities so that the ingenuity of people living in American Samoa can flourish. This is a beautiful vessel and the fact that we can build it locally makes it so much more special.”

He thanked everyone involved in the construction of the boat and stated that in a couple of weeks, government leaders will be traveling to Manu’a to celebrate the Manu’a Flag Day and government marine vessels including this latest addition, will be performing a boat parade and all boats built locally will be highlighted.

That is, with the exception of two Search and Rescue marine vessels that will remain in Tutuila in case their services are needed.

The Lieutenant Governor also reminded the gathering that the DMWR is also mandated to protect and preserve land and wildlife resources, and he called attention to the Naumati Rainforest.

“We have about 27 acres of tropical rainforest in the Tafuna Plains that Director Taotasi Archie Soliai and many directors before him have been trying to preserve and protect from being cut down and developed,” he revealed. 

“I am told that the Naumati Rainforest is the only low-lying tropical rainforest remaining in the Pacific and we are fortunate to have the assistance of the federal government to buy this property from the landowners.

“It took a long time and a lot of work to secure it, and I’m happy to say that the majority of the landowners have agreed to sell the property to the American Samoa government so that it can be preserved for future generations.

La’apui thanked Rev. Opeta for the message he delivered which was reminder to everyone present that “we as human beings and Christians have an obligation to protect and preserve the beautiful creation of God.”

He also pointed out that part of the Naumati Rainforest was owned by the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa and it was imperative that we honor this obligation.

DMWR Director Taotasi Archie Soliai addressed the gathering saying that the new vessel marks a pivotal step forward in DMWR’s efforts to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage the marine and wildlife resources of American Samoa.

“The “Puna’oaolevasa” is more than just a vessel; it is a critical tool that will enable DMWR to fulfill our mandated objectives,” Director Taotasi stated. “This vessel will greatly assist in conducting essential research, performing surveys, and monitoring Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It will enhance our capacity to gather data, ensuring the sustainability and health of our marine ecosystems.

“The Puna’oaolevasa will also provide invaluable support for various surveys, including whale monitoring, and studies on bats, seabirds, and other wildlife. The advanced capabilities of this vessel will allow us to extend our reach and improve our understanding of these vital species and their habitats. It will also enhance our Education and outreach capabilities as well.”

Taotasi said that one of the great advantages of this new vessel is the increased opportunity to conduct his department’s mission in Manu’a and possibly even Rose Atoll. 

The total cost of the new vessel was $372,000 which was funded by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program.

The DMWR Director shed light on the meaning of the new vessel’s name for the benefit of non-Samoan speaking guests explaining that the name Puna’oaolevasa carries profound significance. 

“In Samoan, "Puna" means a spring, “’Oa" means wealth or resources, and "Vasa" means the ocean,” Taotasi explained.

“As DMWR is the lead agency for managing our local marine resources, this name is a perfect match for our mission. 

The Punaoaolevasa embodies the wealth of resources our ocean provides and symbolizes our commitment to their stewardship. Finally, the fact that this design follows the traditional alia vessel retains our identity as indigenous Samoans and continues the preservation of our culture and Fa’aSamoa.”

Lt. Governor La’apui E.V. Ale was given the honor of christening the boat which he did with a coconut before the “Puna’oaolevasa” was lifted onto the sea.

The Lt. Governor, Director Taotasi and some invited guests boarded the vessel for a test ride in the harbor.

Lt. Governor La’apui E.V. Ale waves at the Samoa News camera as the “Puna’oaolevasa” takes a test ride in Pago Pago harbor after it was christened yesterday morning. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

BACKGROUND

The Naumati Rainforest has long been a bone of contention between the government and private landowners, with the majority of the nearly 27 acres said to be owned by the Otto Haleck Family. The government has consistently stopped the land from being developed, as it has insisted that the rainforest is a valuable natural resource of American Samoa — and it is the only low-lying tropical rainforest remaining in the Pacific.

The acreage that belongs to the CCCAS church is across from their Kanana Fou compound, and was bought from the Halecks. However, attempts by the church to develop the land has been met with opposition from the government and it continues to be undeveloped.

It’s unknown at this time, if the negotiations with the Haleck family to purchase the acreage they have not sold is still ongoing. Differences over the price of the land has been the main stumbling block.