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