Key Pacific fisheries issues on agenda at this month’s WestPac meeting

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Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet March 11-13, 2025, in Kailua-Kona to tackle some of the region’s most pressing fisheries management issues. Scientists, fishery managers and industry leaders will set the course for sustainable fishing.

• Cameras on Deck: The Future of Electronic Monitoring

With human observer coverage shrinking, electronic monitoring is set to revolutionize longline fisheries monitoring in Hawai‘i and American Samoa. But who will foot the bill? How will it affect fishers? The SSC will discuss how video footage from vessels will be reviewed and how the new program may impact longline fleets as these fisheries transition into a new era of monitoring.

• Setting New Limits for Uku

The Main Hawaiian Islands uku (green jobfish) fishery is on the line as the SSC will advise the Council how much can be sustainably caught from 2026 to 2029. With recent challenges in monitoring both commercial and noncommercial catch, the SSC may recommend an acceptable overfishing limit and provide scientific justification for a shift in management strategies. The outcome will impact fishermen, markets and the ecosystem.

• Hidden Treasures: Deepwater Shrimp & Precious Corals

These deep-sea resources are incredibly valuable—but they’re also difficult to study and regulate. With current catch limits expiring soon, the SSC will decide whether to maintain or adjust quotas for species like deepwater shrimp, black coral, and pink and bamboo corals.

OTHER TOPICS PERTAINING TO AMERICAN SAMOA

Thursday, March 27, beginning at 9:20 AM Hawaii time

Revision to the American Samoa Bottomfish Management Unit Species (final act)

Joint Plan Team

Scientific and Statistical Committee

Public Comment

Council Discussion and Action

This is your chance to hear the science, ask questions and be part of the discussion.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

In-Person: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI)

Online: Join remotely via web conference: https://tinyurl.com/155SSCMtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/155ssc-meeting