Samoa Tuna Management and Development Plan 2011-2015.

The Samoa Tuna Development and Management Plan 2011-2015 is the second 5-year plan formulated to direct the development of the tuna long-line fishing industry and promotes a sustainable management of the tuna resources within the framework of an ecosystem approach. In fact, it sets out the rules and management measures applicable to the commercial fishery for Tuna and Tuna-like species and sets out ongoing work relevant to the commercial fishery and the emerging sport fishing sector.
The Plan has two overall goals (i) to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna resources harvesting from within Samoa’s EEZ and throughout their range; and (ii) to optimize the long-term economic and social benefits accruing to the people of Samoa from the exploitation of its tuna resources, including harvesting and processing.
The document is composed by two main parts (a) tuna management and (b) tuna industry development. Through the management of tuna fishing the following objectives are pursued (i) strengthen the rights of Samoans over tuna; (ii) increase the economic gains through exercising the rights over tuna and optimal management of the fishery; (iii) contribute the sustainable management of tuna resources and the associated ecosystem; and (iv) recognition of cultural values in tuna policy and planning, particularly the importance of the contribution of tuna to food security and protection of the interests of small scale fishers. Tuna industry development shall have the following objectives (i) promote private sector development in commercial fishing and processing, also both entering into joint ventures with foreign investors and the provision of the needed infrastructure; (ii) expand the export of tuna and tuna products; (iii) promote the development of new markets for Samoan tuna; (iv) maximize local employment and produce a high value product for both domestic and export markets; (v) increase the catches of tuna through the negotiation of access arrangements with neighboring countries and Territories and through the chartering of vessels to fish on the high seas; (vi) improve the economics of the fishery and improve safety at sea; and (vii) ensure that all developments are sustainable and economically viable, with benefits flowing directly to the local people.
To make fisheries more productive and sustainable, main interventions proposed are (i) the need to conform with the IUU Regulation to enter the European markets; (ii) the development of a sustainable fishing technique for the capture of certain species in Samoan waters; (iii) the development of a sailing system to enhance safety at sea; and (iv) the upgrade of local fishing vessel type that is affordable, profitable and safe.
In order to enable more inclusive and efficient the fishery sector, the document aims at opening up to new markets, in particular exploring options for the export of tuna to the EU and the need to meet the stringent food safety requirements of that market together with the establishment of a Competent Authority as this is a necessity for those countries that wish to export seafood.