News + Announcements
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...
Press Release-Experts to Address Key Pacific Fisheries Issues at Upcoming Scientific Meeting (05 March 2025)
HONOLULU (05 March 2025) Science is at the heart of sustainable fisheries—join top experts as they review the latest information and provide recommendations for Pacific fish stocks. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical...
Winter 2025 Pacific Islands Fishery News
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Press Release-Navigating Change: Estorian Peskadot Marianas (26 February 2025)
SAIPAN (26 February 2025) Fishing in the Pacific Islands is culturally, socially and economically important. Even small changes can have big consequences, especially when they impact fisheries and habitats. These effects are felt at the local level, directly...
Protocols and Tips for Visiting and Working in the Territories
At its 201st meeting in December 2024, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council endorsed cultural protocol living documents for American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Council staff and advisors developed these...