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Ready-built “super alia” estimated at $200K with design soon to be released

fili@samoanews.com

American Samoa will soon release the design of the new “super alia”, which the government has been working on for sometime to replace the current existing alia fleet and the price of a ready-built super alia is estimated at $200,000.

For a couple of years, the government has been working on the super alia vessel, which can go out further to fish and stay out longer, compared to the current locally used alia. And the update on the “super alia” was included in the American Samoa Community Activities and Issues Report submitted to this week’s 168th meeting in Honolulu of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

According to the report, the Commerce Department “is finalizing the concept for the super alia multipurpose fishing vessel, which will be used as the upgrade, the government hopes will replace the existing alia fleet.” It quotes a DOC staffer saying the vessel design will be released soon.

Additionally, the local government, through DOC, is accepting applications under the Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds for the purpose of super alia purchases.

Furthermore, DOC is hoping the new vessel’s increased hold capacity and ability to travel further distances will assist alia fishermen in developing viable fresh fish business opportunities.

It is estimated the cost of the fishing-ready boats will be $200,000, and DOC is working with some of the local fishermen to develop business plans and submit applications for those SSBCI funds.

A report American Samoa submitted early this year during a Council meeting says that DOC was also working on identifying a funding source for the development of the super alia fishing vessel, and the government has indicated that up to $10 million from the SSBCI funds will be allocated for construction of this modern alia for local boat owners.

DISASTER RELIEF FUND

Also mentioned in the American Samoa report submitted to this week’s Council meeting is the status of the Disaster Relief Fund, which provided nearly $1 million from the federal government for the American Samoa bottom fish fishery for damage and losses caused by the September 2009 tsunami.

Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, which managed and appropriated those funds for the local government, has a dedicated staffer assigned to coordinate the disaster fund projects as well.

To date, ASG has distributed $250,000 for direct compensation to 13 alia owners who suffered damages to their boats in 2009, according to the report, which also says that another project that was to be carried out under the disaster fund was the construction of a new boat ramp in Pago Pago.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances DMWR is now planning to pivot that plan and use the funds to instead renovate the existing boat ramp in Pago Pago. Funds from this project were also designated to support the ASG owned shipyard, which would carry out necessary repairs for alia vessels in Manu’a.

DMWR also plans to install an ice machine in the harbor area to support local fishermen, and also provide training and updated gear and supplies, according to the report.

There have been calls from some lawmakers to use the relief fund to repair current alia vessels, but DMWR director Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga has emphasized to lawmakers that the fund has a specific purpose and its use is already specified by the federal grantor.