Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga reiterated his concerns about the impact of President Biden’s plans to establish a new marine sanctuary around the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument in discussions with, the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA administrator, Dr. Richard Spinrod.
The discussions took place last Friday in Honolulu via Zoom and in-person.
Governor Lemanu stressed that the livelihoods of over 2,000 workers at the canneries are at stake.
“We wish to be part of a process that takes our perspective into account, which was lacking from the inception of the National Marines Sanctuary declaration,” he told Under-secretary Spinrod.
Dr. Spinrod assured Governor Lemanu of an inclusive process where the concerns of the territories will be considered.
He said, “I am personally dedicated to ensuring that the right steps are taken moving forward. We understand the economic significance of the canneries to your region. We are working to gather scientific and economic information to make informed decisions. We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and consistent process, not only for American Samoa but also for CNMI and Guam.”
Governor Lemanu was thankful for the meeting with NOAA saying, “This is a step forward in finding common ground and ensuring a prosperous future for our people and our economy.”
In April, Lemanu and the governors of the Northern Marianas and Guam had written to the White House Chief of Staff requesting a meeting with President Biden to discuss the new sanctuary.
They enclosed in their request a March 27 letter they sent to the President, asking for consultation with the territories before a final decision on the new sanctuary is made.
NOAA Assistant Secretary Jainey Bashivi, who also attended the discussions, stressed the importance of having the right information on both ends before making decisions on how to execute the President’s initiative.
“This initiative has started with the President’s call, and we are now working backwards to ensure that we are inclusive of the Pacific Islands as well,” stated Bashivi.
She said NOAA wants to host a workshop in American Samoa and have that dialogue with the government and people.
NOAA informed Governor Lemanu they have transmitted all correspondence that was sent by the leaders of the Pacific Territories, including the report from Assistant Secretary Kelly Kryc, who was in American Samoa earlier this year.
Officials from American Samoa at the meeting were Attorney General Fainuulelei Alailima-Utu, Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources Director Taotasi Archie Soliai, Chief of Staff Loa Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola, Governor’s Chief Counsel Kristi Thaxton and Counsel Terry VanEaton, Lafaele Keniseli, and Superintendent of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa Atuatasi-Lelei Peau.
