Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) marked a significant milestone last Friday with the christening of two new vessels that will strengthen the department's ability to protect American Samoa's marine resources and support fisheries management throughout the Territory.

The ceremony brought Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., government officials, community partners, DMWR personnel, and invited guests together to celebrate the addition of the Ta'io and Sausauimoana II to the department's operational fleet.

The expansion of the fleet represents an important investment in DMWR's ongoing efforts to safeguard the Territory's vast marine environment, enforce fisheries regulations, and conduct critical field operations in local waters.

Among the highlights of the ceremony was the christening of the Ta'io, a state-of-the-art safe boat manufactured by Safe Boats International, a company based in Seattle. Designed for durability, reliability, and performance in challenging ocean conditions, the vessel is 38 feet long and 12 feet wide and will enhance DMWR's ability to conduct offshore patrols, marine research activities, and emergency response operations. 

Present at the christening ceremony was Safe Boats International representative Yehudah Landau, who traveled here for the occasion and will be conducting training for DMWR staff on how to operate the boat. 

In an exclusive interview with DMWR Director Nathan Ilaoa, he explained that the new vessel Taʻio was named after the Tahiti Petrel, a rare seabird found in American Samoa that is known for its ability to travel vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, but always finds its way back to its nesting grounds on the mountains of Tutuila. The name reflects the vessel's mission of safeguarding the Territory's marine resources and supporting conservation efforts throughout local waters.

Joining the Ta'io in the fleet is the 32-foot-long enforcement vessel Sausauimoana II, constructed locally through a partnership with Industrial Gases. The boat has been specially customized to support fisheries inspections and monitoring activities, providing DMWR officers with an additional platform for carrying out their regulatory and conservation responsibilities. According to longtime businessman Peter Crispin, the vessel took about three months to build with assistance from Andy Wearing.

Officials noted that the acquisition of the two vessels comes at a critical time as DMWR continues its work to combat illegal fishing activities, monitor fishing fleets, collect scientific data, and ensure the sustainable management of marine resources that are vital to the Territory's economy, food security, and cultural heritage. The Ta'io was purchased with ARPA funds totaling about $900,000, while the Sausauimoana II was purchased with funds from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.

Speaking during the ceremony, leaders emphasized that the new additions will improve the department's operational reach and increase its ability to respond efficiently to issues affecting local fisheries and marine ecosystems throughout the year.

The vessels are expected to play a key role in supporting inspections, enforcement efforts, marine conservation programs, and resource management initiatives in waters surrounding Tutuila, Aunu'u, Manu'a, Swains Island, and other areas under the Territory's jurisdiction.

The event also highlighted the importance of partnerships between government agencies and private-sector organizations in strengthening American Samoa's marine resource management capabilities.

DMWR Director Ilaoa and his staff were recognized for their efforts in securing and overseeing the acquisition of the vessels, which officials described as a major achievement for the department.

As the ceremony concluded, guests gathered to offer congratulations and blessings for the crews who will operate the vessels and the important work they will carry out in protecting the Territory's ocean resources for future generations.

The christening of the Ta'io and Sausauimoana II signals another step forward in DMWR's mission to conserve American Samoa's marine environment while ensuring that the Territory's fisheries remain healthy, productive, and sustainable for years to come.