The Department of Commerce has put out a call for fishermen trainees who will form the first class of the American Samoa Seafood Academy.
A major component of the alia tele or super alia project is to train locals in commercial fishing. Tamatoa Tony Langkilde says those selected will undergo eight weeks of classroom instruction, as well as hands-on training on the first super alia, Tautai Mua.
An opening date for the Academy has not been set. “At this time, we’re asking those interested to come and fill out applications for the academy. A starting date for the Academy will be announced later,” said Langkilde.
There has already been a strong response from interested fishermen trainees. The curriculum for the academy is quite extensive—it will cover fishing techniques, Coast Guard, NOAA, and Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council regulations, as well as marine science education.
It’s planned that there will be two or three semesters per year, with each class consisting of 10 participants.
Langkilde said they will also conduct sessions in high schools and the community college, with the focus on attracting the next generation of fishermen and women.
Training will be conducted by master fishermen William Chute from Fiji, and the Tautui Mua crew—three local fishermen led by Captain Joe Lumon.
Application forms can be picked up from the Training and Education Business Incubation Center at the Fagatogo marketplace between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 733-3474.
