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WPRFMC seeks proposals on dock location for longline fleet

As part of its efforts to support the locally based U.S. longline fishing fleet, the Honolulu-based Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has taken the initial step toward a dock in Pago Pago for the longline fleet by seeking proposals to conduct a study on the best location for the dock site.

 

One of the concerns raised last year with the Council and the Lolo administration by the Tautai o Samoa Fishing and Longline Association is the lack of dock space dedicated to longliners, and as a result their boats keep having to be moved around the main dock when larger vessels call into the Port of Pago Pago.

 

In a statement issued last December, the Council said it understands that the dock space continues to be an issue and therefore, “the Council is supportive of the longline owner’s request for dock space in Pago and urges the local government to remedy this problem.”

 

Keeping to its promise to help the longliners with a dock, the Council issued on Dec. 15 a Request for Proposal for the ‘American Samoa Longline Dock Site Evaluation and Feasibility Plan’ project.

 

Responding to Samoa News questions, Council spokeswoman Sylvia Spalding said that cost estimates are unknown at this time.

 

“Understanding costs for this type study is the main function of the RFP,” she said Wednesday from Honolulu, noting that at this time the dock project would be fully funded by the Council, which has long been aware of the lack of dedicated docking space in Pago Pago for locally based US longline vessels.

 

“Consistent with the Council’s interest in supporting appropriate marine planning efforts for Pago Pago Harbor, there is a need for adequate docking space that supports the US longline vessels while minimizing vessel congestion at the main dock,” she said.

 

Currently, US longline vessels are bumped off the main dock when cruise ships and large container ships arrive, Spalding noted.

 

““This is inconvenient, restricts vessel repair, and when many vessel’s side tie to each other it can pose safety hazards. Furthermore, the longline fishery for albacore continues to not produce catch rates that make it economically feasible to conduct fishing operations year around,” Spalding said. “Thus, many locally operated US longline vessels are likely be tied up from December to June.”

 

“Supporting the locally-based US longline fleet is important for American Samoa” she said. “Each one of these vessels are a small locally owned business, employing people from the community and spending money in the local economy on fuel, groceries, supplies, rent, etc.”

 

As for the RFP, the Council is seeking proposals — due by Feb. 15 next year — to develop a plan that includes, among other things, evaluation of multiple dock sites within Pago Pago Harbor as well as proposed budgets for construction, and various dock designs including cost/benefit analysis.

 

Spalding told Samoa News that the study under the RFP will be forwarded to the American Samoa Government for their consideration.

 

The RFP makes clear that there are no docks dedicated to US longline vessels within Pago Pago Harbor. Further, the vessels currently tie up wherever it is convenient, but often are forced to move when cargo and cruise ships arrive.

 

It also says that the Council is interested in supporting the American Samoa government in improving docking facilities for commercial longline fishing vessels, which are typically between 65 ft and 85 ft in length.

 

Details and other information on the RFP is available at: www.wpcouncil.org