Fisheries in Samoa receive boost
The development of the Fisheries sector in Samoa received a boost with the launching of four major initiatives.
Speaking at the launch which took place in July, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Leuatea Schmidt highlighted the challenges that face the industry. “The challenges include increasing monitoring in an effort to reduce uncontrolled fishing on the high seas and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing operations that have an impact on this valuable fishery,” he said.
The Minister outlined the government’s commitment over the next five years to develop and manage tuna resources to maximize economic and social benefits through the National Tuna Management and Development Plan 2017 – 2021.
“The plan covers two key areas. Firstly the management of our tuna resources through licensing arrangements for the long line fishery. Secondly the future development of our tuna industry to sustain and maximize the economic benefits and participation of our People in the fishery.”
“It provides a policy framework for sustainable development and effective management actions. For the first time, a harvest strategy is being developed as a management tool for our country to meet our obligations under regional arrangements and more importantly controls tuna catches for our country.”
At the launch FAO handed over 20 tablets which will be used by the Fisheries Division as part of an electronic monitoring program of FADs.
“I wish to acknowledge the FAO and especially my dear friend MS Eriko Hibi the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands in Samoa for the technical assistance that realized the procurement of these 20 tablets.” Said the Minister.
“These tablets are a component of FAO’s overall support to the Ministry to facilitate electronic monitoring needed to and assess impact of FADs on food security, nutrition and the livelihoods of coastal communities” She said. Ms. Hibi also emphasized. “People rely more than ever on fisheries for food and as a source of income, but harmful practices and ineffective management threaten the sector’s sustainability. These tablets improve FAD monitoring by allowing fisheries officers to collect data when they are out at sea and contributes to our understanding of the role of FADs in supply of fish and nutrition to communities”.
The initiatives which were launched included:
• Samoa’s Tuna Management and Development Plan 2017 – 2021
• Revival of the Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) Project
• Completion of repair work to the research vessel FV Ulimasao
• Provision of 20 tablets to monitor FADs