NMFS announces approval of a Marine Conservation Plan (MCP) for American Samoa. This agency decision is effective from August 30, 2024 through July 24, 2027. See Federal Register Notice here.
The Government of American Samoa developed the MCP, with concurrence of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. Section 204(e)(4) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires that a MCP detail the uses for funds to be collected by the Secretary of Commerce. Funds deposited into the Western
Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund, including payments under a Pacific Insular Area Fishery Agreement and other contributions, may be used to implement the conservation and
management objectives in the MCP. The MCP must be consistent with the Council’s fishery management (ecosystem) plans, identify conservation and management objectives (including
criteria for determining when such objectives have been met), and prioritize planned marine conservation projects. At its June 2024 meeting, the Council reviewed and concurred with the MCP.
On June 21, 2024, the Governor of American Samoa submitted the MCP to NMFS for review and approval. The MCP contains the following six conservation and management
objectives:
1. Maximize social and economic benefits through sustainable fisheries;
2. Support quality scientific research to assess and manage fisheries;
3. Promote an ecosystem approach in fisheries management;
4. Recognize the importance of island culture and traditional fishing in managing fishery resources and foster
opportunities for participation;
5. Promote education and outreach activities and regional collaboration regarding fisheries conservation;
6. Encourage development of technologies and methods to achieve the most effective level of enforcement and to ensure safety at sea.