Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Tautai-O-Samoa Longline & Fishing Association president, Krista Haleck, has penned her disappointment with StarKist Samoa following a recent meeting with the company’s procurement team. 

The June 3, 2025, letter was addressed to Joseph Choi, StarKist Director of Procurement. 

According to Haleck, the members individually shared the issues surrounding the continued demise of the American Samoa longline fleet. 

“StarKist is already aware of our current state, and we have all shared these concerns with StarKist and sought StarKist’s help individually. 

“Yet, in recent years, our requests have fallen on deaf ears. Carlos [Sanchez] also shared with you his experience as a StarKist family member, not only as an employee but also as a supplier, and the difference in the treatment of boat owners. 

“We, the boat owners, were once part of the StarKist family, but we do not feel that sense of loyalty or partnership from StarKist anymore, and while this is a business, we always saw StarKist as part of our fishing community. This is not true today,” said Haleck. 

The Association President further noted that Mr Choi's responses at their meeting on June 2, 2025, were disappointing. 

“It also gave us a reality check of StarKist Procurement’s position on the American Samoa longline fleet. 

“You stated that all your other suppliers (foreign fleet) are able to continue operations without any help from StarKist and that no one complains. 

“You went further to repeat several times that we the U.S./ American Samoa longline fleet are constantly complaining.” 

According to Haleck, they had a meeting yesterday in good faith and with sincerity to share with StarKist the truth of the Association’s situation. 

“This is what we have always done with StarKist.

“You came to our meeting today with nothing to say about the current situation of the fleet or any possible assistance to help the fleet survive.

“Instead, you asked us to write you an email with what we want. We have been writing to StarKist procurement for the last several years and as we restated, our relationship has existed for 25 years, StarKist is fully aware of how it can help the fleet if it wanted to.”

Haleck noted that the StarKist bait program has been officially closed since 2024. In light of this closure, the boat owners reached out for assistance regarding the storage needs for bait, proposing that boat owners could take the initiative to purchase it themselves. However, Choi responded with uncertainty, expressing concerns about whether they would have sufficient cold storage capacity to accommodate the bait. Additionally, he stressed that if StarKist were to take on the responsibility of storing the bait, it would incur additional costs for the fleet, which could impact their overall operations and profitability.

Haleck also brought attention to an important issue concerning the advances and loans provided to the fishing fleet. 

She elaborated that these financial arrangements have long served as vital support for the fleet, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of fish from American Samoa. This well-established practice not only facilitates the fleet's operational sustainability but also plays a significant role in maintaining the economic viability of the fishing industry within the region.

Choi acknowledged the complexity of the matter, indicating that the decisions surrounding advances and loans are beyond his level of authority. He emphasized that making such decisions involves a nuanced understanding of various factors, making it challenging.

Additionally, the discussion included the issue of high prices, particularly noting that prices have remained low for over a year.

Choi emphasized the importance of US albacore, prompting boat owners to request a premium for the US albacore supplied by the American Samoa Longline fleet. The local premium is set at $200. However, it is important to clarify that this premium is not specifically for the US fish that StarKist receives from the American Samoa longline fleet; it applies to any boat that is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified.

Haleck pointed out that StarKist needs to recognize that American Samoa is uniquely different, and that they are directly delivering to StarKist Samoa, which operates within the territory.

Furthermore, Haleck noted that StarKist's responses seemed to compare the local fleet with the foreign fleet, which was somewhat misleading.

“It was very disheartening to hear that we were being compared to the foreign fleet and at one point, you asked us point blank if we had talked to a Taiwanese boat owner. 

“We are not the same and we will not just quietly go bankrupt. 

“We are fighting for our survival and needed to know where we stand with StarKist. Unfortunately, the sense we got from the meeting was that we are expendable,” said Haleck.

The president noted that it is not easy to operate in American Samoa. 

“That is exactly what we are saying. “We have all of the U.S. regulations that are required of us as U.S. flag boats and we bear that burden and we bring the fish to your door. 

“We live and operate out of American Samoa. We are not subsidized by our government. “We have standards and we have contracts with our crew that we uphold. 

“We care for our crew as part of our families and not treat them as slaves as many foreign vessels treat their crews. 

“We not only supply StarKist Samoa but we also serve our community, our families, villages, churches and the people of American Samoa.

“How would StarKist Samoa feel if the American Samoa Government or the US Government did not support its constant requests for tax exemptions, minimum wage reductions or assistance with duty free or tariff exemptions into the US or any other favors that it asks from the government? Should the government and people of American Samoa also consider that as “complaining” by StarKist,” were the questions outlined by Haleck. 

She further asked Mr. Choi how StarKist would feel if the American Samoa Government, after more than 60 years of partnership, decided to cut ties with StarKist, similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Haleck concluded by sharing their recent engagement with Governor Pulaalii N. Pula, highlighting their current situation. In response, the Governor has agreed to support the fleet in their efforts to find alternative means of survival and development, which would also benefit the American Samoa economy.

She noted that “the need to survive increases one's willingness to explore creative options, and that is precisely what we intend to do.

“We will take our fight to the federal government to save this last U.S. flagged fleet in American Samoa.

“Together, the Association has dedicated itself to keeping this fleet alive.

“They have worked tirelessly and proudly for many years to sustain it, confident in the knowledge that StarKist would support us if needed.

“Unfortunately, that support has been absent for several years, which is both sad and disappointing,” Haleck stated.