HONOLULU (12 June 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has reaffirmed its longstanding position that commercial fisheries in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) were sustainably managed prior to the designation of Papahānaumokuākea as a marine national monument and sanctuary. For more than 60 years, commercial fishing took place in the region without degrading the ecosystem, which was recognized as one of the healthiest and most intact in the world.

The Council at its meeting in Honolulu this week voted to urge the president to lift the prohibition on fishing in Papahānaumokuākea, stating that such action would align with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and Revitalizing the American Blue Economy. The EO directs federal agencies to reduce burdens on domestic fishing and increase sustainable U.S. seafood production.

Council member Judith Guthertz, vice chair for Guam, highlighted the cultural importance of fishing in island communities. 

“When the White House recognized our fishing traditions, it was powerful,” she said. “We’ve honored these practices for generations and that respect should be reflected in policy decisions.”

During public comment, Abe Apilado, a Native Hawaiian fisher from Kaua‘i, echoed a sentiment heard earlier in the week, saying, “Nobody ever told the farmer, ‘just make enough food to feed your family.’ So why put that same limit on fishermen?” The Council has previously recommended that fishing within the monument should be allowed under a special permit system, with access for Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, including a consideration for cost recovery.

Council Recommendations Align with EO 14276
In support of EO 14276, the Council approved several actions aimed at strengthening domestic fisheries and addressing inequities in trade, as it voted to:

• Endorse a preliminary list of recommendations to reduce regulatory burdens on U.S. fisheries and direct staff to finalize supporting documentation.
• Initiate a review of existing fishing prohibitions in Pacific marine national monuments to inform federal decision-making on regulations.
• Send a letter to the secretary of commerce and U.S. trade representative outlining unfair trade practices and proposing corrective measures under the America First Seafood Strategy.

These actions responded to concerns raised at last month’s Council Coordination Committee meeting in New Bedford, where members discussed the impact of low-cost seafood imports, inconsistent labeling and lack of traceability. The Council noted that the United States provides $60 million annually in foreign fishery aid through agreements with the Pacific Islands Forum and under the Compact of Free Association.

In 2023, the United States pledged $2 billion over 20 years to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau. At the same time, the Council emphasized that U.S. Pacific territories continue to face limited investment in their own fisheries.

Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds said the agency has a clear role to play. “This executive order gives us a real opportunity to reform outdated policies and support our fisheries more effectively,” she said.

Uku Catch Limits Set
The Council took final action on catch limits for uku (gray jobfish) in the main Hawaiian Islands. For the 2026–2029 fishing years, the annual catch limit is set at 401,020 pounds, based on a 36% risk of overfishing after scientific adjustments.

The Council also recommends replacing in-season closures with a post-season accountability measure. If the average catch over the most recent three years exceeds the limit in any year, the overage will be deducted from the following year’s catch limit.

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam) (vice chair); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture; and Archie Soliai, American Samoa Government (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Jeremy Raynal, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.