Ads by Google Ads by Google

DMWR’s Fishing Tournament starts off Manu’a Flag Day festivities

DOUBLE TROUBLE FISHING BOAT
Day 1 Thursday of Manu’a Cession Day Festivities 2023
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Flag Day Fishing Tournament spearheaded by the Department of Marine Wildlife (DMWR) made for an exciting opening day for the Manu’a Flag Day festivities on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

The competition saw anglers competing for various categories such as SkipJack, Yellow Fin, Dogtooth, Wahoo, Masimasi, and Barracuda. Five boats competed this year: one from Faleluanu’u, one from Tutuila, and three from Ta’u.

A press release from the Governor’s Office said the one-day tournament was held from 5a.m. to 5p.m. with an awards ceremony taking place immediately after.

Lt Governor Talauega E.V. Ale distributed prizes to the victors and encouraged more Manu’a boat owners to wet their lines next year.  He also thanked DMWR Taotasi Archie Soliai, Deputy Director Selaina Vaitautolu-Tuimavave and the DMWR staff for their efforts in coordinating Manu'a's annual fishing tournament.

In contrast to previous years, this year's competition welcomed the participation of the youth with a kids tournament designed to increase awareness about the decreasing number of fishermen; and to encourage involvement among the younger generation.

The Manu’a Fishing Tournament added a kids division this year where youth got a taste of the sport in hopes to encourage youth involvement and increase the number of fishers in the territory in coming years [photo: ASG]

A soft opening ceremony was conducted with a welcome address by DMWR Deputy Director Tuimavave, followed by a prayer from Reverend Pa’u Young. Special remarks were delivered by Sualevai N. Sualevai of the ASG Manu’a Office.

This year’s competition winners were as follows:

YOUTH CATEGORIES & WINNERS

Biggest Fish: Leaoga; Aiga Maui; Adonai Gaoa; William Lauina

Most Fish: Kamaaina Toeaina; Steve Maui

Youngest Fishermen: Ma’atoa Leifi

Young Fisherwomen:McKayla and Siliona

Early Bird: Maatoa Leifi & Kelvin Lauofo; Kamaaina and Sele Toeaina

ADULT CATEGORIES & WINNERS

Yellow Fin: Double Trouble (21.12); Double Trouble (16.7)

SkipJack: Queen Seta;

Barracuda: Tevesi; Faipule Fau

Wahoo: Faipule Fau

Dog Tooth: Faipule Fau; Faipule Fau

Masimasi: None

Total Catch: Queen Seta (539.19); Double Trouble (160.19); Team Ofu (142.13)