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Pacific tuna countries urged to share resources

Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga spoke Friday at a luncheon hosted by Tri Marine International at its Samoa Tuna Processors (STP) Inc., facility in Atu’u. The luncheon was for Pacific island representatives and U.S. officials who are guests of ASG and the two tuna canneries prior to the opening of the 11th Regular Session of the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting that starts Monday in Apia, Samoa.

 

The Tuna Industry Open House gave guests the opportunity to tour the StarKist Samoa, Tri Marine International and shipyard facilities to see first hand that American Samoa’s economy is depended on the tuna canneries.

 

Lemanu told the delegation of more than 20 people that “we’re in need of everybody’s help, even our mother country” referring to the U.S. government to protect the territory’s fishing and cannery industries.

 

He said policies set by the federal government on fisheries has an impact on American Samoa, as the “mother country” is not fully aware of the way of life of residents of the territory.

 

Lemanu pointed out that American Samoa would like to open its resources to other Pacific Islands and that he hopes policies governing fishing in the region will be geared towards the needs of Pacific Islanders. “… we asked you to come together so we can share our resources,” he said. Details in Monday’s edition.