WestPac Fishery Council demands inclusion of cultural value in federal prioritization framework
HONOLULU — (March 25, 2026) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WestPac) today advanced follow-up work on fisheries science and management priorities, reaffirmed its seafood Ex

![The National Marine Fisheries Service prioritization matrix showing the Council's draft placement of Western Pacific fish stocks and complexes on the agency's risk- value scale. Legend: HI = Hawai'i; AS = American Samoa; GU = Guam; CNMI = Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; LL = longline; BF = bottomfish; DS = deep-sea. [courtesy graphic] WestPac drat prioritization](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/westpac_draft_prioritization_.png?itok=RQquFXQc)
![The entrance to the four‑acre freehold property in Ottoville, Tafuna, where Tony’s Construction Company, owned by Saole Senator Utu Sila Poasa is proposing to establish a rock‑crushing quarry operation. Those opposing the company, say its being established in a residential area. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Entrance to the four‑acre freehold property in Ottoville](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_5245.jpg?itok=_pFbLZrY)





