While the relationship between ASG and the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management council has not been the best, Governor Lolo Moliga is proposing a partnership between ASG and the Council to fund the construction of a wharf to accommodate the needs of fishing vessels in the territory.
One of the contentious issues that has caused a rift between the two is the Large Vessel Prohibited Area
“Specifically, the American Samoa Government proposes herein a fifty-fifty percent cost sharing arrangement on the total cost of constructing this proposed new 400 feet wharf/dock facility,” wrote Governor Lolo.
WPRFMC has already put in $190,000 to fund the design of the proposed facility.
Governor Lolo also said in his letter that he has instructed the Department of Port Administration to accelerate the progress of this project “by expediting the completion of the design to facilitate getting it out for bidding”.
The design project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, or sooner.
“It is our hope that the Council will review this proposal with favour thus forging a partnership dedicated to improving our fishery industry supported infrastructure,” said Governor Lolo.
