New officers for the Tautai o Samoa Longline and Fishing Association have their work cut out for them with a host of challenges facing members. Issues such as poor fishing conditions, increased costs of operations and increased federal regulations.
The association held its 1st annual meeting yesterday, to elect officers and discuss the critical issues that impact this U.S. fishery. Tautai members are U.S. longline owners that operate in the U.S./ American Samoa EEZ and produce U.S. albacore for the Starkist Samoa plant. The Tautai fleet is the only U.S. longline fleet targeting South Pacific albacore.
The new officers are President-Krista Haleck Corry, Vice-President-Anthony Lafaele Feliciano, Secretary-Edgar Feliciano, Treasurer-Jeff Moustacas and Business Development Officer-Carlos Sanchez. Other Board Directors of the Tautai-O-Samoa are: Elder Vincent Haleck, Stuart Chikami and Christinna Lutu- Sanchez.
A press statement from Tautai gives a snapshot of the hurdles facing members due to poor fishing conditions, increased federal regulations and rising costs.
The recent COVID-related border closures prevented the recruitment of experienced commercial fishermen, which also impacted the efficiency of the fleet. The discussions at yesterday’s meeting highlighted the positive impact of the Large vessel prohibited Area (LVPA) amendment, as well as the timely reopening of the American Samoa Shipyard to attend to the fleet’s repair needs.
Discussions also included updates on regional fisheries issues such as pending biological impact studies, increases in global fuel prices, relief from port charges, and fierce competition by foreign owned vessels predominately the Chinese fleet that do not have to adhere to same operating standards and regulations.
Tautai board members also shared concerns on the lack of communications with government on fisheries matters, such as the pending Cares Act financial assistance and the pending longline dock.
Looking ahead, even with the many challenges facing the longline fleet, the Tautai Board is optimistic on developing the fleet and keep them operating in American Samoa which will directly benefit the territory’s economy.
