Press Releases
Press Release-Fishermen and Scientists Unite to Tackle Shark Depredation in the Pacific Islands (19 February 2026)
HONOLULU (19 February 2026) — The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, in partnership with the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group, hosted the region’s first shark depredation workshop Feb. 10–11, 2026, to address the issue and develop mitigation...
Press Release-Fishers, Scientists and Community Invited to Talk Shark Depredation (06 February 2026)
HONOLULU (06 February 2026) — More and more Hawaiʻi, Guam, American Samoa, and Mariana fishers are reporting the same frustrating story: sharks showing up on the grounds, taking fish off the line and biting into hard-earned catch. It’s not just lost fish — it’s lost...
Press Release-WP Council Moves EM Implementation Forward, Backs Satellite Connectivity for Safety and Data (17 December 2025)
HONOLULU (17 December 2025) On the second day of its 205th meeting, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council advanced key actions to strengthen monitoring, improve at-sea communications and support U.S. Pacific territories in international tuna...
Press Release-Fishing Prohibitions Unfair: Council Pushes for Analysis of Fishing in Marine Monuments (16 December 2025)
HONOLULU (16 December 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council today took another step toward restoring sustainable commercial fishing in waters within several Pacific marine national monuments, considered pristine when they were established. The...
Press Release-SSC Calls for Day One Monument Monitoring and Clearer FKW Analysis Ahead of Council Meeting (12 December 2025)
HONOLULU (12 December 2025) Thursday the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council wrapped up a three-day virtual meeting, delivering scientific advice that will help shape decisions at the Council’s 205th...
Press Release-Scientists Deliberate Impacts of Monument Pelagic Fishing Prohibitions (09 December 2025)
HONOLULU (09 December 2025) On the first day of its 158th meeting, the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council reviewed the best available science on the potential benefits and costs of restoring commercial...
Press Release-American Samoa Secures Landmark Victory at WCPFC22, US Makes Progress on Commitments for 2026 (09 December 2025)
MANILA, Philippines (09 December 2025) The 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) meeting concluded Friday with a unanimous decision securing the long-term future of the South Pacific albacore fishery, a major gain for...
Press Release-SSC to Review Marine Monuments, Monitoring and False Killer Whale Science at Meeting This Week (09 December 2025)
HONOLULU (09 December 2025) This week’s Dec. 9–11, 2025, virtual meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will bring together experts to review current research on Pacific fisheries, protected...
Press Release-Hawai‘i Community Consultations – Round 2 Navigating Change (23 October 2025)
HONOLULU (23 October 2025) Continuing to build on conversations from the April 2025 meetings, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and partners will host the 2nd round in a series of community consultation meetings throughout the main Hawaiian...
Press Release-Mariana Islands Community Consultation – Round 2 Navigating Change (26 September 2025)
HAGÅTÑA (26 September 2025) Continuing to build on conversations from the February 2025 meetings, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) will host the 2nd in a series of community consultation meetings...