The United States’ multilateral tuna fisheries treaty, known as the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, is nearing a pivotal milestone, with a final vote anticipated before it becomes law in the U.S. This treaty, established in 1998, has allowed U.S. tuna fishing fleets access to the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of 16 Pacific island nations.
The current iteration of the treaty is thought to reflect the agreements negotiated between the Pacific nations and the Biden administration. Notably, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year committed to providing USD$600 million over ten years, along with a USD$10 million fund for climate-related initiatives.
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has played a crucial role in advancing the treaty, recently announcing its bipartisan passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. The South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, H.R. 531, was initially introduced with Hawaii Congressman Ed Case as a co-sponsor and aims to offer congressional direction for the full implementation of the treaty. Unlike the previous Congress, where the bill saw delays, this current session has allowed for a swifter process.
Amata emphasized the importance of the treaty for American Samoa’s fishing-dependent economy, stating, “I welcome broad support in Congress for implementing our treaty with our regional friends and neighbours in the South Pacific.” She noted that the bill enhances U.S international diplomacy and ensures operational flexibility for the nation’s distant water fishing fleet.
The treaty has undergone amendments to align with updates established in 2016 and has seen strong bipartisan approval from the Senate, with passage in 2022 signaling a significant step forward. It stabilizes fishing days in high seas and formalizes access to the EEZ waters of signatory nations.
Recent hearings have examined the status of the tuna purse seine fleet, which has reduced significantly due to economic challenges, increased regulations, and competition, particularly from illegal fishing practices. The swift movement of the bill through the House this year puts it on a strong path toward final approval, with only the Senate’s confirmation left for it to be signed into law.
This ongoing legislative process indicates a concerted effort to reinforce fishing operations while promoting regional economic stability in the Pacific, suggesting a positive outlook for sustainable fishing practices and international collaboration in resource management.
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