Press Releases
Press Release – SSC Advances Guam Bottomfish Rebuilding Plan and Evaluates Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Techniques (13 September 2024)
HONOLULU (13 September 2024) At its meeting this week, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed and discussed options for modifying Guam's bottomfish rebuilding plan, focusing on balancing sustainable fishing opportunities with stock recovery...
Press Release – SSC Meeting to Tackle Key Fisheries Management Issues Next Week (6 September 2024)
HONOLULU (6 September 2024) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will convene Sept. 11-13, 2024, to address important issues impacting fisheries management in the Pacific Islands. Noncommercial Fisheries...
Press Release – Federal Consultation with Governors of US Territories Lacking (26 June 2024)
HONOLULU (26 June 2024) Western Pacific Regional Fishery Mangement Council members expressed dismay with the continued problem of the lack of federal government consultation with territorial governments on Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues, including green sea...
Press Release – Council Reviews Annual Fishery Reports: Trends, Challenges and Future Plans in the Western Pacific (25 June 2024)
HONOLULU (25 June 2024) Council members reviewed detailed reports on the 2023 performance of federally managed fisheries in the Western Pacific region. This annual Stock Assessment and Fisheries Evaluation (SAFE) report consistently observed catch increases across a...
Press Release – Council Tackles Trade Barriers to US Tuna Fisheries at Meeting (25 June 2024)
HONOLULU (25 June 2024) This week, members of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council called attention to impediments to U.S. fisheries due to unfair trade practices by foreign fisheries. “Dumping” of cheaper, lower-quality fishery products into the...
Press Release – Equitable Fishing Access and Sustainable Practices to be Addressed at Upcoming Council Meeting in Honolulu (20 June 2024)
HONOLULU (20 June 2024) As the U.S. exclusive economic zone available to fishing continues to shrink due to federal regulations, foreign fishing presence increases and Pacific Islands bear the brunt of American conservation efforts, justice has seemingly turned into...
US Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarship Applications Due August 23, 2024
UPDATE: The application period for Council's US Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building Scholarship has been extended to Friday, August 23, 2024, or until funds are no longer available. HONOLULU (19 June 2024) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management...
Press Release – Scientists Highlight Critical Discussions on Observer Coverage, Fishery Management & Future Planning (14 June 2024)
HONOLULU (14 June 2024) The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council concluded its meeting yesterday, spotlighting negative impacts of reduced observer coverage in the Hawai‘i longline fisheries and engaging...
Press Release – Hawai‘i Longline Fishery Sees Revenue Decline in 2023 Due to Drop in Fish Prices at Honolulu Fish Auction (7 June 2024)
HONOLULU (7 June 2024) A report prepared for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council highlights a nearly 8% decline in revenue for the Hawai‘i longline fishery due to a drop in average fish prices at the first point of landing in Honolulu Harbor. The...
Press Release – Fishermen Sound Alarm: US Gov Policies Threaten Way of Life in US Pacific Islands (22 March 2024)
“We are affected by decisions today—we lose our fishery, culture, way of life.” HONOLULU (22 March 2024) Amidst mounting concerns and resounding frustration, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council convened its 198th meeting this week, where the voices...