Members of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council have 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 United States undercuts the profitability of U.S. fisheries. These foreign fisheries are often heavily subsidized by other nations, including for operational costs, labor, fuel and ship building.
The Council recommended convening a group of experts, inviting federal agencies and the fishing industry, to address these regional unfair trade issues. Regarding U.S. labeling regulations, the members requested the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NOAA, State of Hawai‘i, Territories of Guam and American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) agencies to enforce Country of Origin Labeling and other local requirements.
Council Chair Taulapapa William Sword supported the need to address trade and labeling regulations, citing the precarious situation in American Samoa.
“If our fishermen can’t compete, fish, sustain a profit, and provide protein for our communities, not only do we lose food security in American Samoa, our economy dies,” Sword said.
Guam Council member Manny Dueñas praised the National Seafood Strategy but warned, “If we continue to let monuments and sanctuaries drive management, developing the Strategy is an exercise in futility.”
In addition to trade issues, the Council heard updates from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding high seas boarding and inspection (HSBI). This program monitors compliance of Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) regulations. Members expressed concern over recent reports of HSBI boardings by China, including Chinese Coast Guard vessels intimidating Philippine fishing vessels.
In order to increase the efficacy of HSBI and promote safety at sea, the Council recommended the U.S. government continue its efforts to elevate the WCPFC Resolution on Labor Standards as binding, to allow HSBI parties power to enforce human rights at sea.
Source: WPRFMN Press Release
