Approximately 15 local fishermen were present yesterday during the second and final day of the first two-day workshop on engine repair to be offered by the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR).   The workshop is being funded through a subsidy approved by Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga.

Another two-day workshop is set to begin today and conclude tomorrow.

The workshop focuses on engine repair and according to DMWR Director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga, “This is one of the items that had high priority” based on the results of a fishermen survey conducted by DMWR.

The workshop kicked off Tuesday at the DMWR compound in Fagatogo and was facilitated by Wes Tuilefano. The opening prayer was offered by local fisherman Mr. Vailoaloa.

In her opening remarks, Matagi-Tofiga reminded the fishermen about the importance of being educated on how to repair engines, “especially when they are out fishing.”

“It could save your lives!” she emphasized.

For the first two-day workshop, long-time local mechanic Terry Lam Yuen— well known amongst the local fishing community— served as the local instructor. Tuesday’s workshop focused on theories while yesterday’s session included hands-on activity. A four-stroke engine was on hand, giving the fishermen the chance to not only diagnose engine failure problems, but also take it apart and properly reassemble it together again.

One of the concerns raised by the local fishermen was that local companies do not carry spare parts for four-stroke engines, and there is an issue with recalled parts that local companies are often not aware of.

Matagi-Tofiga assured them that DMWR will address these concerns with local vendors.

The second two-day workshop begins today and will be conducted by Iosua Lam Sam. A workshop for fishermen in the Manu’a Islands will be held next week in Ta’u, which fishermen from Ofu and Olosega will also be attending.

More information on the workshops can be obtained by calling DMWR directly at 633-4456.