Council Supports Pacific Indigenous Fishing Communities

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) has established an Indigenous Committee to provide recommendations to US federal authorities on tuna and other seafood cultural fishing rights and related issues. Sub-panels for Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Mariana Islands, have been formed and will include members with expertise in traditional tuna and other fishing practices.

“With the growing emphasis on ecosystem-based management, traditional ecological knowledge, equity, and environmental justice, the Council created the new committee to ensure culturally relevant recommendations that include indigenous perspectives in the region’s decision-making,” said the Council in a press statement. WPRFMC already has a Fishery Rights of Indigenous People Standing Committee which was established in the 1980s, and the latest committee is expected to further accelerate the work towards creating a more inclusive space for these fishers.