News + Announcements
Press Release-President Trump Returns Fishing to US Fishermen in the Pacific Islands (18 April 2025)
WASHINGTON D.C. (18 April 2025) “By doing this, we are giving you back your lives.” President Trump’s words echoed across the Pacific as he signed a Presidential Proclamation to restore access for American fishermen to the waters between 50 and 200 nautical miles...
Hawai’i Fishers Community Meetings (18 April 2025)
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Press Release-Western Pacific Fishery Council Urges Increased Federal Funding (27 March 2025)
HONOLULU (27 March 2025) In a critical call to action, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is urging the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to address severe funding shortfalls that threaten the future of fisheries management and vital...
Press Release-Changing Environment and Presidential Executive Orders (26 March 2025)
HONOLULU (26 March 2025) “This is our food, our way of life and the management of these waters impacts our communities.” Today, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council heard a report from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) summarizing community...
Press Release-Fishing Council Flags Economic Burdens of Electronic Monitoring, Backs Relief (25 March 2025)
HONOLULU (25 March 2025) At the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting today, discussions on electronic monitoring (EM) in longline fisheries in Hawai‘i and American Samoa focused on cost allocation, funding strategies and economic viability. The...
Press Release-Fishing Challenges, Clashes Call for Fairer Regulations and Enforcement (18 March 2025)
HONOLULU (18 March 2025) “Having a voice is one thing, but making real change is another.” This sentiment resonated at recent community meetings in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, where fishers shared concerns about shifting ocean conditions, regulatory challenges and...
Press Release-Council Science Advisors Discuss Updates to Protected Species Issues and Strategic Planning for WPR (14 March 2025)
HONOLULU (14 March 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) met this week and reviewed protected species management in the region’s fisheries. Discussions underscored the growing influence of the...
Press Release-Western Pacific Council’s Science Advisors Examine Electronic Monitoring for Longline Fisheries (13 March 2025)
KAILUA-KONA (13 March 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) met this week to address key issues on electronic monitoring (EM) implementation in longline fisheries. EM uses camera systems to monitor...
Speakers Bureau
The Council has updated and relaunched its Speakers Bureau program. It offers a valuable resource to educators and community groups, connecting them with experts who can share their knowledge on the ecological and cultural importance of Pacific nearshore and offshore...
Press Release-Navigating Change: Strengthening the Hawai‘i Fishing Community (07 March 2025)
HONOLULU (07 March 2025) Fishing in the Pacific Islands isn’t just a way of life—it’s a legacy, a livelihood and a connection to the ocean that sustains our communities. But when policies change or challenges arise, those who rely on fishing to feed their families or...