Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Commercial alia fishing is virtually non-existent at this time, for many reasons, but the higher costs for fuel and general inflation play a major role in commercial fishing trips,” according to the local fishery update on issues included in the American Samoa “Motu Ripoti” — or Island Report — by the staff of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

“We also consider the introduction of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 into American Samoa in February, which led to yet another round of business closures, travel restrictions, curfews and social distancing mandates ordered by the Governor,” according to the report, which was presented at last week’s hybrid Council meeting.

“Many of the restrictions are just now being loosened up. A few recreational trips by weekend warriors are made each month, mainly trolling and bottom-fishing when weather permits,” it says.

The fishery update also states that catch reports over the past weeks have identified a decline in Skipjack, but a sharp increase in juvenile Yellowfin.

Other fishery issues cited in the report:

• The Malaloa floating docks remain unusable and in a state of neglect and disrepair.

• The new boat ramp in Pago Pago is incomplete and unusable as it sits dangerously high above the water line at low tide.

• No fishing tournament schedules have been announced yet.