Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has officially appointed Mr. Nathan Ilaoa as the Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.

In the announcement, the governor emphasized Mr. Ilaoa’s extensive qualifications in the field of fishery resource management. Mr. Ilaoa possesses considerable experience, having previously served as the Island Coordinator for the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. In that capacity, he was instrumental in developing and implementing sustainable fishery management practices. Furthermore, he held the position of Vice Chairman of the American Samoa Advisory Panel, where he contributed valuable insights into local fishery policies.

Mr. Ilaoa’s expertise is not limited to fisheries management; he also has a background in coastal zone resource management and the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. His previous tenure with the Department of Commerce and the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency equipped him with the necessary skills to address complex environmental challenges and advocate effectively for the protection of natural resources.

In addition to his government experience, Mr. Ilaoa is adept in grant writing and technical writing, skills that have proven valuable in securing funding for various initiatives. As a business owner, he has successfully developed and implemented marketing strategies that promote environmental sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology, which provides him with a unique perspective on the interactions between culture and the environment.

Presently, Mr. Ilaoa serves as the Project Manager for Le Vasa Pathways, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering responsible ocean stewardship and community engagement with marine resources. In this role, he has led initiatives aimed at raising public awareness regarding marine conservation and promoting sustainable practices.

This appointment signifies the third director to be appointed for the Division of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR). Initially, businessman Tim Jones was appointed; however, he was unable to secure the requisite votes in the House of Representatives for confirmation. Following him, the governor appointed Natasha Tuato’o-Bartley in February.

After a six-month period, Mr. Ilaoa has now been appointed as the new director.