Pacific Fishers Invited to Rule-Making Meetings in March
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding important meetings from March 11-18, 2025, to talk about fishing rules and ocean health in Hawaii, American Samoa, and nearby islands. Fishers, local communities, and ocean lovers can join in person or online to share their thoughts and hear updates. These meetings help shape smart fishing plans that protect marine life and support local economies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Planned ACL specifications for key species
The Hawaii Archipelago and PRIA Advisory Panel will consider Annual Catch Limit (ACL) specifications for Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) uku for 2026–2029 and MHI deepwater shrimp and precious corals for 2025–2028 during the March 13, 2025 meeting.
Electronic monitoring (EM) review and socioeconomic analysis
The SSC agenda includes updates on Electronic Monitoring (EM) program implementation, EM sampling strategy and planning, and a socioeconomic impacts analysis for Council action (discussed March 11–12, 2025).
Crew training updates and IRA-related training opportunities
Agendas include updates on Hawaii and American Samoa longline fisheries crew training requirements and discussion of fishery development and training opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) during the March 13 and March 18, 2025 meetings.
Hybrid public meetings — attend in person or online
The Council's meetings are offered in a hybrid format with in-person attendance in Kailua-Kona, HI (Courtyard King Kamehameaha's Kona Beach Hotel) and Fagotogo Village, American Samoa (Tedi of Samoa Suite 208B) and remote participation via Webex. Instructions and connection help are posted on www.wpcouncil.org and the Council office can be contacted at (808) 522-8220.
Public comment periods included
Agendas will provide public comment periods during the meetings held March 11–18, 2025, enabling members of the public to give oral comments at the scheduled sessions.
Accessibility and accommodation instructions
The meetings are accessible to people with disabilities; requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids must be directed to Kitty M. Simonds at (808) 522-8220 (voice) or (808) 522-8226 (fax) at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.
American Samoa bottomfish species revision on agenda
The American Samoa Archipelago FEP Advisory Panel will address a revision to the American Samoa bottomfish management unit species during the March 18, 2025 meeting.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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