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A Monumental Win for American Samoa’s Tuna Industry on the 125th Anniversary of Cession

Pago Pago, American Samoa — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula today issued a statement of strong support and appreciation following President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order amending the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument to allow commercial fishing between 50 and 200 nautical miles.

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The decision restores access to historic U.S. fishing grounds in the central Pacific—areas critical to the continued operation of the American Samoa-based U.S.-flagged purse seine fleet and vital to the economic security of the Territory.

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“Today is a monumental day for the people of American Samoa,” said Governor Pula. “On the 125th anniversary of the Deed of Cession, when our forefathers chose to join the American family, President Trump has reaffirmed that partnership by honoring his commitment to support American industry and stand with small, remote communities like ours.”

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Established in 2009 and later expanded in 2014, the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument placed sweeping restrictions on commercial fishing, effectively blocking American vessels from accessing over a million square miles of federal waters. These closures disproportionately harmed the U.S.-flagged tuna fleet homeported in American Samoa and threatened the Territory’s economic lifeline—its tuna industry, which employs thousands of residents and sustains local families, businesses, and government services.

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“President Trump’s Executive Order reopens fishing grounds that our vessels have responsibly used for decades,” Governor Pula continued. “It restores balance and fairness in ocean policy, strengthens food security, and helps keep our cannery operational and competitive in the global market. This is a victory for U.S. fishermen, for American jobs, and for the people of American Samoa.”

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Governor Pula expressed his gratitude to President Trump for listening to the concerns of the Territory and taking bold action to correct a policy that was both economically harmful and environmentally unnecessary.  Governor Pula also expressed his gratitude to Congresswoman Uifaatali, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, and all local stakeholders who have long advocated for a more balanced, science-based, and equitable approach to marine policy.

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“As we commemorate 125 years under the American flag, this decision reinforces that our voices matter and that our contributions to the nation—especially in food production and national security—are recognized,” said Governor Pula. “We thank President Trump for standing with us, and we look forward to working together to ensure that American Samoa continues to thrive.”

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