“4th Annual Fagota mo Taeao promotes sustainable fishing practices

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The official results of the 4th Annual Fagota Mo Taeao (“Fishing for Tomorrow”) open fishing tournament are in.

The two-day event, hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS) and co-managed by the Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources (DMWR) took place Friday and Saturday, November 8-9.

According to the NMSAS, the purpose of the tournament was “to increase awareness of allowable and prohibited fishing methods in Sanctuary management areas, and to promote sustainable fishing practices in waters surrounding American Samoa.”

This year, 16 teams/boats registered, and participation included approximately 80 `alia fishermen and recreational anglers. Of the many species that were weighed in, the heaviest was hauled in by Double Hooked. It was a marlin (Makaira mazara) weighing 157.2 pounds.

The special awards ceremony was held November 9th at the Malaloa Marina Dock to present prizes for the 6 fish species categories. Special awards were also handed out for outstanding teamwork and highlighted the first female-owned boat/team, and the youngest participant (See full results below).

Fish proceeds were donated to Hope House at Fatuoaiga, as has been the normal routine since the tournament began.

FINAL RESULTS

Category

1st Place

Weight (lbs)

2nd Place

Weight (lbs)

3rd Place

Weight (lbs)

Billfish

Double Hooked (Marlin)

157.2

Double Trouble (Marlin)

93.4

Double Trouble (Sailfish)

89.6

Dogtooth Tuna

Tavae'ula

22.2

Keejana

22.0

Tavae'ula

19.0

Masi Masi

Le Mumua

26.6

Keejana

23.4

Avaiki

19.6

Wahoo

Jazmine

41.0

Fealofani Samoa

35.0

*Tied between: Capital M & Salvation

28.0

Yellowfin

Double Hooked

39.0

Double Hooked

28.0

Double Hooked

26.8

Miscellaneous

Double Hooked (Barracuda)

20.4

Double Trouble (Skipjack)

18.6

*Tied between: Fealofani Samoa & Salvation (Skipjacks)

17.4

Special Awards

Most Compliant Boat

Peter IV

Sportsmanship Award

Tavae'ula

Best Behaved Boat

Le Mumua

First Female-Owned Boat/Crew

Eaglet

The Two Youngest Fisherman Awards

Joshua Togi from Fealofani Samoa (21 years old)

Juna Mareko from Captain M (9 years old)

Heaviest Combined Pounds

Double Hooked (501 pounds)