National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office

Federal Programs Office

2021 Annual Report
A Message from the Regional Administrator

We are pleased to announce that in fiscal year 2021 (FY21), the 

Federal Programs Office of the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands 

Regional Office (PIRO) funded 49 project activities totaling 

$9,684,558 in grants and cooperative agreements to constituents 

in support of the NOAA Fisheries mission. We issued the awards 

through competitive and non-competitive financial assistance 

programs. Recipients of the federal awards included 32 U.S. and 

international agencies and organizations from American Samoa, 

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), 

Guam, Hawai‘i, and the greater Pacific.

PIRO manages programs that support both domestic and 

international conservation and management of living marine resources within the 

Pacific Islands region (PIR), which comprises American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam, 

Hawai‘i, and other U.S. Pacific Islands. Our vision is to achieve healthy marine 

ecosystems that provide:

• Stability for fishery resources

• Recovery of threatened and endangered species

• Enhanced opportunities for commercial, recreational, and cultural activities in the 

marine environment

PIRO assists the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) in developing 

fishery management plans and amendments for offshore fisheries based in the Western 

Pacific region. In addition to PIRO and the WPFMC, the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries 

Science Center (PIFSC) and the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) collaboratively 

support the conservation and management of marine fisheries, protected species, and 

marine habitat. Working together and employing regional expertise, these offices are 

committed to providing improved customer service and stewardship of living marine 

resources within this expansive geographic region.

Going forward, our efforts will continue to focus on capacity building and proposaldevelopment training for Hawai‘i and the territories. We will also work with 

communities to develop innovative projects that help NOAA Fisheries provide 

stewardship of living marine resources through science-based conservation and 

management in our region.

Michael D. Tosatto

Front cover: As a Marine Education and Training Grant awardee, Kupu will partner with schools and 

stewardship organizations to host a work-based learning elective for students. Students will learn about 

important marine habitats and wildlife of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i and apply their knowledge with hands-on 

stewardship activities. Credit: Anna Daniels

Back cover: CNMI fisherman pulls in his catch at a deep bottom fishing demonstration. 

Credit: Anthony Guerrero
Three local CNMI fishermen catching tuna for bait. Credit: Lino Tenorio

Table of Contents

2 Federal Programs Office

4 Western Pacific Fishery Management Council

7 Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program

10 Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle Management and Conservation Program

14 Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery and Marine Mammal Program

16 Marine Education and Training Program

19 Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986

20 Habitat Conservation Program

21 Pacific Islands Region International Fisheries Program

22 Sustainable Recreational and Non-Commercial Fishing Program

24 Promoting Responsible Wildlife Viewing Program

25 2021 Unfunded Federal Programs
Atrium at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Federal Programs Office 

The Federal Programs Office is located at the NOAA 

Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. With 

technical assistance from PIRO and PIFSC staff, Federal 

Program Officers administer financial assistance 

agreements throughout the award period, from the 

initial solicitation through post-award management.

They also work closely with the NOAA Grants 

Management Division, technical monitors, and grant 

recipients throughout the award period. This helps 

to facilitate the successful completion of each grant’s 

project objectives.

The Federal Programs Office supports the NOAA 

Fisheries mission through competitive and noncompetitive grants, and cooperative agreements. PIRO 

funded the following grant programs during FY21:

• Western Pacific Fishery Management Council

• Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants Program 

• Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle Management 

and Conservation Program

• Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery and Marine Mammal 

Response Program

• Marine Education and Training Program 

• Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986

• Habitat Conservation Program

• Pacific Islands Region International 

Fisheries Program

• Sustainable Recreational and Non-Commercial 

Fishing Program

• Promoting Responsible Wildlife Viewing Program

PIRO Federal 

Program Officers

Scott Bloom

Penny Larin

Mela Flores

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Summary of Fiscal Year 2021 Funding

Western 

Pacific Fishery 

Management 

Council

SaltonstallKennedy Grants 

Program

Pacific Islands 

Region Marine Turtle 

Management and 

Conservation Program

Marine Education 

and Training 

Program

Interjurisdictional 

Fisheries Act 

of 1986

Hawaiian Monk 

Seal Recovery and 

Marine Mammal 

Response Program

Habitat 

Conservation 

Program

Pacific Islands 

Region International 

Fisheries Program

Promoting 

Responsible 

Wildlife Viewing 

Program

Sustainable 

Recreational and 

Non-commercial 

Fishing Program

$4,329,860

$2,411,672

$700,271

$357,513

$309,865

$302,296

$220,685

$155,894

$11,748

$127,634

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Bottomfish ready for sale at the market. Credit NOAA/Okeanos Explorer 
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council

The WPFMC prepares, monitors, and revises fishery management plans for domestic and foreign fishing within 

the 200-mile U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western and central Pacific Ocean. PIRO is in charge 

of implementing the management measures created by WPFMC and NOAA OLE; the U.S. Coast Guard 14th 

District and local enforcement agencies enforce the measures. In FY21, PIRO funded the second year of a 5-year 

cooperative agreement to support the WPFMC base administration and operations. The WPFMC received 

$4,329,860 for the following 14 activities under this 5-year cooperative agreement:

1. Council Base Administration and Operations 

($3,177,260)

2. Annual Catch Limits Implementation ($197,528)

3. Territorial Science Initiative ($164,000)

4. Council Peer Review ($142,075)

5. Magnuson-Stevens Act Implementation ($89,235)

6. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

($88,998)

7. Scientific and Statistical Committee ($55,764)

8. Council Education Committee Internships 

($37,500)

9. Council Education Committee Scholarships 

($62,500)

10. SAFE Report Coordinator ($30,000)

11. Fisheries Indicators for Small Pelagic Species 

($85,000)

12. Continuation of Tori Line Trials ($50,000) 

13. Log-it Application Support ($100,000)

14. Hawaiʻi Electronic Reporting and Vietnamese 

Translation ($50,000)

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

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QUEST alumni and past interns Alphina Liusamoa (third from left) and Fuamai Tago (third from right) both received full scholarships to 

complete their bachelor degrees in marine science at University of Hawai‘i Hilo from the WPFMC in April 2019. Credit: WPFMC
Western Pacific Sustainable 

Fisheries Fund 

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 

Management Act, when reauthorized in 1996 and 

2006, included authorities in Section 204(e) to permit 

foreign fishing within the EEZ in the Pacific Islands 

Region. Before permitting foreign fishing under a 

Pacific Insular Area fishery agreement, the WPFMC 

must develop a 3-year Marine Conservation Plan (MCP) 

that describes the uses for any funds collected by the 

Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). The CNMI and the 

Territories of Guam and American Samoa must develop 

similar MCPs.

The Sustainable Fisheries Fund serves as 

a repository for:

• Permit payments the Secretary receives for foreign 

fishing in the EEZ around Johnston Atoll, Kingman 

Reef, Palmyra Atoll, Jarvis, Howland, Baker and 

Wake Islands

• Fines and penalties the Secretary receives, in the 

case of violations by foreign vessels occurring in the 

EEZ around these Pacific Islands

• Funds or contributions received in support of 

conservation and management objectives under 

an MCP, as well as payments made pursuant to 

specified fishing agreements with the Territories

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management 

Council Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries 

Fund XIII ($505,374)

This is a multi-year cooperative agreement to 

implement projects identified in the Territory of 

American Samoa and CNMI MCPs. Funding for the 

cooperative agreement comes from the Western Pacific 

Sustainable Fisheries Fund authorized under the 

Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act 

(Section 204(e)(7)(A). Funds are derived from Specified 

Fishing Agreements between U.S. Participating 

Territories of American Samoa and CNMI and vessels 

permitted under the Council’s Fishery Ecosystem 

Plan for Pacific Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 

Pacific Region. Regulations covering Specified Fishing 

Agreements and associated deposits into the Western 

Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund can be found at 50 

CFR 665.819.

In FY21, PIRO awarded the Western Pacific Sustainable 

Fisheries Fund 13 (SFF13) grant in the amount of 

$505,374 to support the eight activities described 

below in American Samoa and the CNMI.

AMERICAN SAMOA ($252,687)

Installation of Reinforced Pilings for DMWR Fuel Dock 

($142,687)

This effort will strengthen and reinforce the existing 

infrastructure of Fagatogo Marina Fuel Dock by 

installing four pilings at the fuel dock that were 

damaged by the 2009 tsunami. Research suggests 

this area will experience more intense and frequent 

severe weather, which further emphasizes the need 

to ensure this dock is reinforced. This floating dock 

is critical—it’s used by the Alia fishing vessels taking 

part in the local government’s fuel subsidy program 

during refueling operations. 

Ice House and Machine ($55,000)

The American Samoa Department of Marine and 

Wildlife Resources (DMWR) is proposing to build an 

ice house and purchase an ice machine at its work 

station in Fagatogo at the southwestern-most end of 

Pago Pago Harbor. The proposed project will support 

the rehabilitation of the American Samoa small boat 

fishery, which suffered a fisheries resource disaster 

caused by the South Pacific Tsunami of September 

29, 2009. 

Bottom Fish Education & Awareness ($5,000)

Under this project, the local DMWR and the WPFMC 

will work with the American Samoa Advisory 

Panel and Council staff to review existing outreach 

material used to educate the fishing and broader 

community about the bottomfish fishery and current 

management issues.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN 

MARIANA ISLANDS ($252,687)

Smiling Cove Transient Dock Repairs ($73,287)

This project will repair and replace key components 

of the Smiling Cove Marina Transient Dock, fulfilling 

Objective 4 of the MCP. The repairs will maintain this 

dock as a safe and efficient fisher access point. In the 

past decade, the facility has taken on damage from 

numerous typhoons, including Typhoon Soudelor 

and Super Typhoon Yutu most recently. On a given 

day prior to the COVID-19 restrictions, the facility 

would accommodate over 500 passengers to and from 

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Managaha Island, a popular tourist destination. The 

additional use has compounded the wear and tear of 

the dock and it is in need of repair to prolong its use 

and provide a safe structure for its patrons.

Vessel Support: Operations & Maintenance ($72,000)

This proposal supports the associated costs to 

safely run both the JUSTICE vessel & KIRIDA vessel, 

in particular the vessels’ operations, fuel, and 

maintenance costs. These vessels have been utilized 

to support a variety of conservation actions and are 

intended to continue to support enforcement and 

fishery development activities. More specifically, this 

funding helps achieve operational needs for education, 

research, enforcement, and management.

MCP Coordinator ($57,400)

The CNMI will hire a half-time MCP Coordinator to 

oversee the SFF13 funded projects for 2 years. This 

Coordinator will report directly to the Secretary 

of DLNR, who in turn will prioritize and manage 

the Coordinator’s workload and determine the dayto-day scope and duties of the position. In addition 

to administering this grant and related projects, 

the individual will facilitate updates and revisions 

deemed necessary for the overarching CNMI Marine 

Conservation Plan. 

U.S. Pacific Territories Fishery Capacity-Building 

Scholarship Program ($50,000)

In the Western Pacific Region, individuals and local 

communities have a low understanding of and 

engagement in fisheries stewardship and management 

due to limited resources and expertise in the island 

areas. This project proposes to support one student 

from the CNMI to participate in the Council’s Capacity 

Building Scholarship/Fellowship program for 1 year 

(two semesters and one summer internship). 

In 2014, the U.S. Pacific Territories Fisheries Capacity 

Building Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was 

signed by federal and territorial agencies with fisheries 

management responsibilities in the U.S. Pacific Islands 

Territories and six higher education institutions 

based in Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam, and the 

CNMI. In the ensuing 5 years, representatives from 

these agencies and institutions participated in the 

Education Committee of the WPFMC to reach goals set 

out in the MOU. Through the 2014 MOU, the U.S. Pacific 

Territories Fishery Capacity Building Scholarship was 

developed and has been running with financial support 

from the Council, PIRO, and PIFSC. This is the first 

effort on behalf of the CNMI to financially augment 

these efforts through their Marine Conservation Plan.

Western Pacific Sustainable 

Fisheries Fund

In addition to the cooperative agreement, PIRO funded 

a single financial assistance award to support WPFMC’s 

Protected Species Conservation and Management 

Program. The award, totaling $251,746, encompasses 

the following two activities:

1. Protected Species Conservation and Management 

Coordination ($200,000)

2. Development of Leatherback Satellite Tag 

Deploying Device ($51,746) The WPFMC has recommended and supported shark depredation 

studies in the Mariana Archipelago to better understand the 

impact of fisher-shark interactions on fishing communities. 

Credit: James Borja

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Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program

The Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program is a 

nationally competitive program administered by NOAA 

Fisheries. The program provides financial assistance 

through grants and cooperative agreements for 

research and development projects that benefit the U.S. 

fishing industry. The program’s statutory authority 

is the S-K Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 713c-3). The S-K 

Act established a fund for the Secretary of Commerce 

to provide funding support for projects addressing 

aspects of U.S. fisheries, including, but not limited to, 

harvesting, processing, marketing, and associated 

infrastructures. In 2021, PIRO allocated $2,411,672 for 

nine projects.

Hawai‘i Seafood Council — Hawai‘i Seafood 

Marketing in the Age of COVID ($300,000)

The COVID pandemic devastated the demand for locally 

sourced seafood in Hawaiʻi. This project focuses on the 

branding and promotion of Hawaiʻi Seafood to support 

the local fishing and seafood operations and bring back 

market demands within Hawaiʻi and the United States. 

The project will help Hawaiʻi respond to changes in the 

fishery and seafood markets, as well as how seafood is 

purchased and consumed in the COVID era. The project 

will assess fishing operations and seafood market 

conditions and then work to strengthen the Hawaiʻi 

Seafood brand through the development and marketing 

of a promotion strategy, updated branding, and other 

marketing tools. This project expects to build fishing 

resilience, long-term sustainability, and industry 

relations with the community. 

Republic of Palau — Operationalizing Offshore 

Pelagic Fisheries in the Palau National Marine 

Sanctuary (PNMS) Through a Public-Private 

Partnership to Benefit Local Fishing Communities 

($300,000)

Through a private-public partnership, this project will 

strengthen the fledgling domestic fishing industry 

(longline, purse seine, pole-and-line, and artisanal) 

in the PNMS by stabilizing supply and demand, 

improving capacity (skills and facilities) to process 

and create added-value products, and increase the 

number of participants in pelagic fisheries. The project 

will improve operational and business practices 

to consistently supply Grade A fish locally for food 

security and increased economic benefits for Palauans. 

It will also establish a training program for processing 

and added-value operations to maintain high quality 

food, achieve leading competitive product prices, 

engage women and underserved peoples, and collect 

data on supply and demand in a Palauan central 

market place. 

Belau Offshores Fisheries Inc. offloading operations in Palau. This 

is where the catch is graded, sold to local customers and vendors, 

and further processed. Credit: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and 

Environment (Previously Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment 

and Tourism)

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University of Central Florida — Moving Toward 

Science-Driven Management of Bottomfish Stocks 

in Guam and the CNMI ($300,000)

A study from the University of Central Florida will 

contribute critical bottomfish scientific data by 

identifying biologically relevant stocks, estimates of 

larval dispersal, and direction of gene flow. It will also 

pinpoint sources of new recruits into subsistence and 

commercial fishing grounds. Currently, bottomfish 

stocks are defined on jurisdictional boundaries 

and the resulting stock assessments are hindered 

by uncertainty. Our project will prevent waste of 

management resources, and it will provide meaningful 

stock definitions and data required to develop proper 

stock assessments upon which catch limits are based. 

We will build on existing and ongoing collections by 

collaborating with local fishers on Guam to create the 

most expansive collection of genomic tissue resources 

in the Pacific. 

University of Hawai‘i: Kapiolani Community 

College — Hawai‘i Seafood Culinary Best Practice 

Digital Promotion ($299,985)

Under the University of Hawaiʻi, this culinary project 

creates user-friendly, hands-on cooking instruction 

for seafood. These instructions come in the form of 

digital content through (1) “Video Recipe Cards” for 

home cooks with recipes, and (2) professional-level 

cooking instructions for culinary students and novice 

food service industry cooks without formal training. 

Available for free, the content will be marketed and 

disseminated via social media and can be viewed using 

portable mobile platforms. This strategy is designed 

to overcome the uncertain trajectory of reopening of 

the State and barriers to revival of the food service 

industry after a massive market shrinkage. Home 

cooking and online instructions take the marketing 

directly to homes and workplaces, eliminating the 

costly and physically prohibitive method of seafood 

festivals and events. The marketing activities 

and impact of the project goes beyond the 2-year 

project period. 

Pacific American Foundation — Establishing 

a Supply and Training Program for Aquaculture 

Production of Hawaiian Sea Cucumber ($299,154)

The Pacific American Foundation is working to develop 

a sea cucumber aquaculture that benefits coastal 

communities in Hawaiʻi with the production of a high 

value, low trophic species that feeds on waste. Native 

sea cucumbers require no feed input and may offer a 

sustainable source of income for Hawaiian fishpond 

(loko iʻa) operators. The project will develop hatchery 

methods and facilities at the Nōmilo Fishpond, 

operated by Kauaʻi Sea Farm in Kalāheo, Hawaiʻi. The 

facility includes a small-scale hatchery for bivalve 

production, with much of the basic infrastructure 

already in place to accommodate sea cucumber 

production. Pacific American Foundation will conduct 

applied research into innovative production methods 

and an outreach program for the aquaculture and 

coastal fishing communities. The project will benefit 

Hawaiian fishpond practitioners and commercial 

aquaculture operators wishing to expand revenue 

streams using integrated multi-trophic aquaculture. 

MarAlliance — Expanding Domestic Marketing and 

Commercial Export Opportunities for Micronesian 

Value-added Nearshore Pelagic Fish Products 

($299,035)

This project aims to improve current market 

operations and economic opportunities in Pohnpei. The 

current market is the sole producer of these products 

in Micronesia, and while it’s popular locally, sales 

opportunities are limited. Exporting these products 

to the U.S., Asia, and Guam will serve as a blueprint to 

University of Central Florida (UCF) undergraduate Camille 

Acevedo sorts deep water bottomfish tissue samples. 

Credit: UCF/Michelle Gaither

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

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expand economic opportunity and decrease inshore 

fishing pressure within the region by increasing prices 

for raw products and developing export markets 

for raw and value-added products. New product 

development and an expanded market will create 

additional opportunities for fishers and partnered fish 

markets to use existing and under-utilized species. 

Hawai‘i Pacific University: Oceanic Institute 

— Engaging Hawaii’s Fishing Community to 

Establish Marine Aquaculture Techniques for 

Kumu, an Endemic Hawaiian Goatfish (Parupeneus 

porphyreus) ($295,409)

This project will establish aquaculture technology 

for the kumu (Hawaiian whitesaddle goatfish), an 

overfished species highly regarded among local 

recreational and commercial anglers for its cultural 

and economic value. The Oceanic Institute collaborates 

with PIFG, the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic 

Resources (DAR), Paepae o Heʻeia, and Conservation 

International - Hawaiʻi to accomplish project objectives 

and collect kumu broodstock. With its developed and 

effective technology for broodstock conditioning, 

live feeds production, and larval rearing of marine 

fish including yellow tang and red coral grouper at 

commercial scale, the Oceanic Institute will begin by 

applying these techniques with kumu. If successful, 

DAR will help evaluate cultured kumu juveniles 

for release into Hawaiian fishponds and local reefs 

through their existing fish tagging program. 

Pacific Islands Fisheries Group — Development 

of Hawai‘i Squid Fishery and Marketable Products 

($119,283)

This Pacific Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) project 

evaluates the development of the local ika (squid) 

fishery by educating fishermen in Hawaiʻi about the 

potential of targeting ika for sale to local restaurants 

and markets. With increased understanding of the 

species, gear, method, timing, cost, and uses, fishermen 

can assess their interest, entry costs, and potential of 

targeting and selling fresh local squid. Fishermen will 

receive information on product handling on the boat 

to ensure the freshest and highest quality product is 

maintained for commercial sale of “sashimi-grade” 

fish markets in Hawaiʻi. PIFG will provide fresh, 

locally caught ika to a diverse group of participating 

restaurants to evaluate against frozen, imported squid 

and show the benefits of marketing fresh-caught ika. 

PIFG will also introduce fishermen to freeze-dried ika 

as bait, as opposed to frozen squid, which offers many 

benefits as it is room-temperature stable, light, and 

compact, and it has a long shelf life.

Poseidon Fisheries Research, LLC — 

Community Management of a Data and Capacity 

Limited Coral Reef Fishery in American Samoa 

($198,806)

Poseidon Fisheries Research, LLC will work with the 

American Samoa local fishing community to build 

a community-based fishing management program 

using the FishPath process. This management 

approach allows local managers to work with the 

fishing community in developing context-specific 

and adaptive options for targeted coral reef species 

management. The project will collect life history 

information on five species deemed most vulnerable 

by the community, and then use the information in 

data-limited assessments to target management goals 

and stock indicators. By including stakeholders in the 

entire process of species identification, data collection, 

stock assessment, and management, the community 

can self-regulate and manage their own resources to 

produce a more sustainable fishery. A more effective 

implementation of management strategies brings 

sustainability to an economically and culturally 

important coral reef fishery.

Racks of clams are pressure washed and sorted on the Kaua‘i Sea 

Farm sorting dock. The clams will be sold in local Kaua‘i markets. 

Credit: Kaua‘i Sea Farm

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Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle 

Management and Conservation Program

The PIR Marine Turtle Management and Conservation 

Program (MTMCP) implements the recovery plans for 

the U.S. Pacific sea turtle populations by supporting 

programmatic activities for Endangered Species Act 

(ESA) listed sea turtle species. These species may occur 

entirely within the PIR or have documented linkages 

to the PIR, such as sea turtles that originate from 

areas outside of U.S. jurisdiction but migrate through 

or forage within the PIR, or are impacted by PIR 

federally-managed activities and therefore relevant to 

NOAA Fisheries management and recovery obligations. 

Projects supported by the MTMCP aim to implement 

regional management priorities and species-specific 

monitoring, protection, or conservation needs as 

outlined in the recovery plans. They also complement 

ongoing federal, state, or international activities and 

align with current agency initiatives (such as the 

Species in the Spotlight Pacific leatherback sea turtle 

initiative). In 2021, PIRO issued 11 federal assistance 

awards totaling $700,271 to help progress and 

complement multi-agency domestic and international 

sea turtle recovery efforts.

World Wildlife Fund, Inc — Implementing a 

Strategy to Address the Direct Take of Leatherbacks 

(Dermochelys coriacea) in the Kei Islands, 

Indonesia ($108,147)

The Western Pacific leatherback turtle subpopulation 

in the Kei Islands has decreased by more than 80% 

and is projected to decline by 96% by 2040. In the Kei 

Islands of Maluku Province, Indonesia, where nine 

villages hunt and consume turtles, these leatherbacks 

congregate to forage on large aggregations of jellyfish. 

WWF has worked to develop a multi-layer strategy to 

reduce the ongoing leatherback hunt. It has formed a 

robust regional monitoring program and engaged in 

broad outreach efforts that have reduced leatherback 

take from a high of 103 turtles in 2017 to 5 in 2019. 

Through close collaborations with government 

agencies and civilian sectors, early conservation gains 

are promising, and the continued support for these 

activities will be instrumental in achieving a more 

permanent solution.

The Nature Conservancy Solomon Islands staff and partners 

conducted a highly successful community consultation and 

awareness roadshow during which they visited 14 communities 

in December 2020. The meetings build community awareness of 

the importance of conserving the Sasakolo. Credit: The Nature 

Conservancy

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The Nature Conservancy — Effective 

Co-Management of Leatherback Turtle Nesting 

Beaches in Solomon Islands ($97,556)

Under this project, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) 

supports community efforts to protect and monitor 

leatherback turtle nesting beaches in the Solomon 

Islands and the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG). 

Activities raise local awareness of the plight of the 

leatherback turtles. The project will encourage 

and strengthen communities in Haevo, Sosoilo, and 

Sasakolo in conservation competency to effectively 

protect and monitor leatherback nesting beaches 

during peak nesting seasons. It will also increase 

capacity to further develop turtle conservation in the 

IPG by establishing a position for a turtle conservation 

officer. The TNC project increases understanding of 

leatherback turtle conservation by supporting a local 

women’s group, KAWAKI. To conduct community 

outreach, KAWAKI is producing a short film on 

leatherback conservation at Sasakolo.

World Wildlife Fund, Inc. — An Analysis of the 

Status of Sea Turtles in the Philippines ($93,074)

By increasing and improving the data available to 

governments, conservationists, and fisheries, this 

project seeks to reduce the removal of marine turtles 

in the Philippines. Through research and knowledge 

sharing, the project will address the two main means 

of turtle removal: fishery bycatch and illegal wildlife 

trade. Staff will conduct a series of rapid bycatch 

assessments to measure the level of interaction and 

bycatch of marine turtles in both small-scale fisheries 

and small commercial fisheries. Using these results, 

the project will identify and implement bycatch 

mitigation strategies with the buy-in of stakeholders 

and local communities, all the while continuing to 

support Filipino authorities tasked with combating 

illegal wildlife trafficking.

The University of the South Pacific — A 

Multidisciplinary Approach to Monitor Green Turtles 

From the Central South Pacific Distinct Population 

Segment Aggregating at Three Foraging Grounds in 

Fiji, Central South Pacific ($84,978)

The University of the South Pacific project uses 

satellite tracking to improve understanding of green 

turtle habitat use at three foraging grounds around 

Yadua and Makogai Islands in Fiji. The project collects 

data on habitat use and impacts from cyclones and 

El Niño Southern Oscillation in the green turtle 

Central South Pacific distinct population segment. 

Surveys conducted on the three foraging grounds 

monitor aggregating turtles and assess their regional 

connectivity. During site visits, project staff capture 

and flipper-tag turtles, as well as check their health 

status and measurements. They also record habitat 

plant and macroalgae composition to assess ecological 

health. Enhanced knowledge improves protection and 

conservation measures for decision making by Pacific 

countries on sea turtle management.

The Honu Project — Strengthening Monitoring 

Efforts for Hawksbill Sea Turtles on Hawai‘i Island 

With the Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery 

Project ($83,935) 

To protect and monitor hawksbill turtles residing in 

the Hawaiian archipelago, the Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill 

Turtle Recovery Project monitors nesting activities on 

beaches, protects nests, and ensures hatchlings safely 

reach the ocean. It promotes public stewardship for 

coastal and marine ecosystems through educational 

outreach. It implements relevant and innovative 

management techniques to assist in the recovery of 

these turtles. It also collects critical information on the 

nesting hawksbill population throughout the season 

to further control any non-native species found on 

nesting beaches. The project will analyze, share, and 

discuss its data with the Hawai‘i Hawksbill Turtle 

Network and use it to influence management decisions 

and the implementation of recovery strategies.

World Wildlife Fund, Inc. — Leatherback Sea 

Turtle Nesting Dynamics in the Maluku Region 

($79,918)

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) closely monitors 

the critical habitat of the surviving population of 

leatherback sea turtle nesting sites on Buru Island. 

The Indonesian archipelago is a critical habitat for 

the surviving population, but their numbers have 

dramatically declined in part due to egg harvesting 

and direct take from nesting beaches and foraging 

grounds. The protection of adult females and nests 

made Buru Island the first substantial nesting 

population discovered outside of Papua in the last 

decade. For continued conservation, WWF works to 

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expand nest characterization, monitoring, and satellite 

tag deployment on adult turtles for further research. 

Striving to improve and extend the community 

and government outreach, WWF will ultimately 

transition conservation responsibility over to capable 

and enthusiastic local, provincial, and regional 

governments.

Hawai‘i Marine Mammal Alliance DBA Hawai‘i 

Marine Animal Response — Sea Turtle Stranding 

and Rescue Response (O‘ahu) ($44,743)

This Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR) project 

provides a high-quality staff-, volunteer-, and internbased stranding and rescue response program on 

O‘ahu for dead, injured, or otherwise compromised 

marine turtles. The program continues to grow 

and maintain a comprehensive network of staff, 

volunteers, and interns to improve turtle and human 

interactions through educational outreach. HMAR 

receives, processes, and manages reports from the 

public and others concerning marine turtle strandings 

(actual or potential); provides fully-trained and vetted 

personnel to respond to these reports; and conducts 

these activities in close collaboration with the NOAA 

PIFSC Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program 

and the NOAA PIRO Marine Turtle Management and 

Conservation Program.

Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute — Sea Turtle 

Stranding Response and Outreach Program in 

Maui, Phase Two ($35,058)

This Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI) 

project is focused around a volunteer-based stranding 

response program on the Island of Maui for dead, 

injured, or otherwise compromised sea turtles. 

MOCMI will maintain and implement a comprehensive 

volunteer network that will improve turtle and human 

interactions through educational outreach. MOCMI will 

receive, process, and manage reports from the public 

and others concerning sea turtle strandings on Maui, 

An HMAR team member removes a circle hook from a sea turtle with assistance from a community member. HMAR sea turtle activity is 

conducted pursuant to 50 CFR 222.310. Credit: HMAR

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Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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and it will provide fully-trained and vetted volunteers 

to respond to strandings in close coordination with 

NOAA. MOCMI will use the stranding response data 

to improve understanding in the community through 

education and outreach efforts. MOCMI promotes 

conservation initiatives and accessible environmental 

education with fishermen through social media and on 

its website. Programs to reduce the threats impacting 

sea turtles include expanding a fishing line recycling 

program. This project allows MOCMI to increase 

outreach efforts and expand sea turtle stranding 

response, rescue, and rehabilitation capabilities. 

International Seafood Sustainability Foundation 

— Definition of Guidelines to Reduce the Impact 

of Lost and Abandoned Fish Aggregating Devices 

(FADs) on Marine Turtles ($34,862) 

This project will define guidelines and conservation 

recommendations to reduce the impact of lost and 

abandoned drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) 

on sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean. Fishers use dFADs 

to increase tropical tuna species catches; however, 

around 20% of these FADs are lost or abandoned every 

year. Entanglement in dFAD netting is known to cause 

incidental deaths of marine megafauna such as sea 

turtles. New guidelines may reduce the occurrence of 

deaths associated with entanglement in dFADs. They 

may also help protect turtle habitats damaged by dFAD 

strandings. Information for these guidelines comes 

from the cooperation of key stakeholders across the 

Pacific Ocean (fishers, ship-owners, and scientists).

Government of Guam: Department of 

Agriculture, Division of Aquatic & Wildlife 

Resources — Guam Fibropapillomatosis Sea 

Turtle Assessment ($20,000)

The Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of 

Aquatic & Wildlife Resources (DAWR) will begin 

an assessment and management of the endangered 

green sea turtles around Guam affected with 

fibropapillomatosis (FP), a tumor-causing disease that 

mainly affects green sea turtles. With seven confirmed 

cases of FP around Guam, this project will gather 

information on the severity of FP found in sea turtles 

and will identify if FP has spread throughout Guam’s 

waters or if it is contained to one area. DAWR plans to 

conduct bimonthly in-water surveys around Guam to 

monitor the sea turtle population and capture and tag 

up to 42 green sea turtles and 7 hawksbill sea turtles. 

DAWR will conduct standard biometrics and tagging 

procedures, and it will release turtles not physically 

affected by FP to see if FP is spreading within the 

population. DAWR will collaborate with local partners 

and stakeholders to update, inform, and educate about 

the status of FP and Guam’s sea turtles.

Mālama na Honu — Mālama na Honu Sea Turtle 

Management and Outreach Project ($18,000)

The Mālama na Honu project focuses on reducing 

and managing human harassment and disturbance 

of green sea turtles at Laniakea Beach, O‘ahu. The 

structured and maintained program provides a 

viable orientation, on-site training, and monitoring 

instruction for volunteers. This cadre of trained 

volunteers then conducts daily outreach and education 

with an ever-increasing number of visitors at the 

location. Volunteers teach about the turtles’ life cycle, 

foraging habits, migration, and nesting behavior to 

schools, clubs, service groups, and tourist venues. The 

project strives to bring awareness and implementation 

of strategies to mitigate turtle strikes. It collects and 

analyzes data on basking turtles at Laniakea and 

makes it available on Mālama na Honu’s website. 

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) washed up on a beach on Oʻahu, 

Hawaiʻi. Credit: Makanakai Marine Services/Hank Lynch
Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery 

and Marine Mammal Response Program

The Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery and Marine 

Mammal Response Program supports specific 

programmatic activities related to promoting the 

recovery of endangered Hawaiian monk seals and 

supporting responses to marine mammal strandings 

in the main Hawaiian Islands and U.S. Territories. This 

program supports community-based and communityintegrated projects with an educational component 

designed to elevate public awareness and build 

capacity from the community for Hawaiian monk seal 

recovery and marine mammal response. In 2021, PIRO 

allocated $357,513 in five projects.

The Marine Mammal Center — Hawaiian Monk 

Seal Response and Community Engagement 

($143,703)

The project conducts community outreach and 

monitoring efforts to inspire visitors and residents 

to protect and monitor Hawaiian monk seals within 

Hawaiʻi Island. The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) 

strengthens and standardizes a volunteer team with 

specialized response-dispatch training. This training 

also helps expand data collection that allows TMMC to 

identify shifts in monk seal behavior. TMMC provides 

key partners’ staff and volunteers with training and 

materials for haul-out events. The center places an 

increased focus on areas with low levels of engagement 

and sightings, updating signage to encourage sighting 

reports and appropriate behavior around monk seals.

Hawai‘i Marine Mammal Alliance DBA Hawai‘i 

Marine Animal Response — Hawaiian Monk 

Seal Conservation & Recovery - Priority 1 - O‘ahu 

($115,162)

NOAA and HMAR have a common goal—the 

preservation, recovery, and stewardship of the 

Hawaiian monk seal. HMAR has developed significant 

capacity, infrastructure, and experience in three key 

areas: outreach and education; dispatch and reporting; 

and field response, escalations, and interventions. 

HMAR uses these capabilities to conduct activities, 

measured using Key Operational Indicators, that have 

a direct and positive impact on Hawaiian monk seal 

preservation and recovery. The thousands of outreach, 

education, hotline, dispatch, field response, escalation, 

and intervention support activities each year have 

positively impacted monk seal health, management, 

recovery, and public support. HMAR works with NOAA 

and Hawai‘i DLNR.

Hawai‘i Marine Mammal Alliance DBA Hawai‘i 

Marine Animal Response — Hawaiian Monk Seal 

Recovery and Conservation - Priority 1 - Moloka‘i 

($51,248)

A key Hawaiian monk seal species recovery challenge 

in the main Hawaiian Islands is fatal human-caused 

trauma. In recent years, Moloka‘i has, unfortunately, 

maintained a high ratio of human-caused seal deaths 

to the island’s small human population. This project 

adds staff from the Moloka‘i community and increases 

activity and support for monk seal stewardship as one 

part of broader, community-based, sustainable coastal 

ecosystem management practices that benefit the 

residents of Moloka‘i while also honoring their cultural 

identity and traditions. HMAR works cooperatively 

with Hawai‘i DLNR, TMMC, and other partners to 

achieve the goals of the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery 

Plan (2007) and the Main Hawaiian Islands Monk Seal 

Management Plan (2015).

Hawaiian monk seal spotted off Kaimana Beach on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.

Credit: Dana Jones

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

14
State of Hawai‘i: Department of Land and 

Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic 

Resources — Hawaiian Monk Seal and Sea 

Turtles Response, Recovery, and Monitoring on 

Kaua‘i ($35,000)

This project supports DAR’s Protected Species 

Program (PSP) efforts related to endangered and 

threatened marine species on the island of Kaua‘i. PSP 

facilitates community engagement, rapid response 

to emergency situations, recovery, and outreach 

opportunities through the Kaua‘i Monk Seal Hui 

while managing a monk seal volunteer network on 

the island. The PSP maintains a unique position with 

local stakeholders to develop a future that allows 

for successful co-existence between monk seals, sea 

turtles, and humans. The outcomes and benefits of 

this project include increased management capacity, 

reduced or mitigated seal and turtle take, and 

increased community participation and compliance 

via long-term relationship and trust-building activities 

with the public.

Dana Jones DBA Hawaiian Monk Seal 

Preservation ‘Ohana — Hawaiian Monk Seal 

Recovery Through Education and Preservation 

(REAP) ($12,400)

The Hawaiian Monk Seal Preservation ʻOhana (HMSPO) 

expands the current programs that support the goals, 

objectives, and activities that address management 

strategies outlined in the Main Hawaiian Islands Monk 

Seal Management Plan for the Island of O‘ahu. Through 

education and outreach, community engagement, and 

capacity building, HMSPO’s REAP project activities 

support health, partnership, community engagement, 

and education strategies to upgrade and expand 

in-classroom education programs, increase volunteer 

workforce, grow outreach to communities and at 

pupping events, develop partnerships for conservation, 

educate through information sharing, and integrate 

historical and cultural awareness. 

The Hawaiian Monk Seal Preservation ‘Ohana conducts Hawaiian 

monk seal outreach on Kaimana Beach, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Credit: 

Dana Jones

Did You Know?

Interactions with inshore fishing gear can injure and even 

kill Hawaiian monk seals. Each of the main Hawaiian 

Islands has a highly trained team prepared to respond 

to hooked or entangled seals. Supported in part with 

NOAA Fisheries grants, this Kaua‘i team includes: (from 

left to right) volunteers Charlie and Sue Fafard; Jamie 

Thomton with NOAA Fisheries; Dr. Mimi Olry with DAR; 

and volunteers Connie Clune, and Becky Moore. The 

large circle hook and line displayed in this photo was 

successfully removed from a seal on a Kaua‘i Beach by 

this experienced team.

Credit: NOAA Fisheries

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

15
Marine Education and Training Program

In 2007, the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act 

was amended to include §305 (j), which provides 

guidance on the development of a marine education 

and training program. Public Law 109-479 states: 

“the Secretary shall, in cooperation with the Western 

Pacific Fishery Management Council, establish 

programs that will improve communication, education, 

and training on marine resource issues throughout 

the region and increase scientific education for 

marine-related professions among coastal community 

residents, including indigenous Pacific Islanders, Native 

Hawaiians, and other underrepresented groups in the 

region.” The Pacific Islands Region Marine Education 

and Training Program was established to meet 

Congressional intent. In 2021, PIRO allocated $309,865 

in eight projects. 

University of Hawai‘i: Department of Biology

— Support of Marine Option Program (2020-2025) 

($150,000) 

To provide experiential opportunities for students with 

ocean-related interests, the Marine Option Program 

(MOP) offers marine education programs and activities 

for undergraduates across more than 40 disciplines. 

MOP continues to provide career counseling, help 

students identify and implement hands-on internships 

and research projects to meet their MOP certificate 

requirements, liaise with project mentors, and monitor 

student progress. MOP also provides scientific diving 

opportunities, which help to teach aspects of hands-on 

underwater-surveying practices and principles 

courses.

Hawai‘i Academy of Science — Hawai‘i State 

Science & Engineering Fair ($80,000)

Every student in the State of Hawai‘i has the 

opportunity to participate in a science fair activity, 

helping to build interest in marine and natural 

sciences. The science fair provides a platform for 

students to use the scientific method to investigate 

questions and solve problems in the real world. High 

school students interact with leading scientists in 

Hawai‘i to conduct in-depth and comprehensive science 

investigations. Exposure to science activities could 

provide a catalyst to increase the number of students 

in Hawai‘i pursuing advanced degrees in areas of study 

related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, 

and Math). The Hawai‘i State Science and Engineering 

Fair connects students, scientists, and teachers 

by leveraging partners and donors and offering 

scholarships and awards to winners. It has temporarily 

moved to a virtual format, requiring an innovative 

approach to this effort.

500 Sails — Carolinian Fishing Canoe ($15,000)

Through a collaboration between a traditional 

Carolinian canoe builder and 500 Sails’ canoe builders, 

the project will build a Carolinian fishing canoe and 

use it in sustainable fishing programs. On the CNMI 

island of Saipan, the project will use the traditional 

Carolinian sailing canoe to create a blueprint and 

specifications for construction of a prototype fishing 

canoe using modern materials. The completed canoe 

will undergo sea trials and be optimized for fishing. A 

public ceremony will inform the community about the 

goals and progress of the project. Prominent Carolinian 

cultural leaders who are traditional navigators and 

Fishermen will teach and train indigenous Micronesian 

fishers about sustainable and conservation-minded 

fishing that combines both traditional approaches 

and modern methods that support government-led 

conservation efforts. 

Lino Tenorio, local CNMI fisherman, provides instruction on deep 

bottom fishing during a classroom presentation. Credit: Marcy Tenorio

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

16
Poseidon Fisheries Research, LLC — Hawaiian 

Community Reef Fish Cookbook-Food, Science, & 

Tradition ($15,000)

Poseidon Fisheries Research will partner with students 

of Umeke Kaʻeo: University of Hawaiʻi Maui College 

Gastronomy Club to produce written recipes from 

oral recipes from fishers of locally harvested reef 

fish. In a test kitchen, students will ensure that each 

recipe has the correct proportion of ingredients. This 

project helps culinary students prepare for future 

careers in seafood marketing and other seafoodrelated operations by giving them the experience in 

cooking with locally sourced seafood and building 

relationships with local fishers. The cookbook can 

be used as a resource to learn which species to 

target and ways to prepare fish. The cookbook will 

also include information about traditional fishing 

practices and how to sustainably harvest fish based 

on size at reproduction, maximum age, and ecosystem 

function for each species. This coral reef fish cookbook 

will increase the community’s involvement in 

sustainable fishing. 

University of Hawai‘i: Hawai‘i Sea Grant College 

Program — Continuing to Build Pacific Islander 

Capacity Through Training in Underwater Surveying 

Techniques 2021–2022 ($15,000)

This project builds local capacity in marine science 

in American Samoa. The project will recruit Pacific 

Islander students to pursue fisheries and marine 

science careers through place-based, communitydriven scientific training via participation in an 

underwater surveying training course developed 

for undergraduates. The conducted training is a 

modified snorkeling version of the Quantitative 

Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques (QUEST) 

course conducted by the University of Hawai‘i MOP. 

Participating students gain hands-on experience, new 

technical skills, and knowledge of marine resources 

that increase job competitiveness and strengthen 

their desire to pursue a career in marine science or 

related fields. Sea Grant will recommend participants 

for future internship or research opportunities and 

encourage them to pursue higher degrees in marine 

science or seek gainful employment with local agencies. 

Kupu — Kupu Environmental Education ($14,998)

Through collaboration, Kupu will offer a WorkBased Learning elective to promote careers within 

the conservation fields, including marine-based 

professions in their educational program called Coastal 

Stewards with Hawaiʻi Technology Academy and 

Waipahu High School. The program’s environmental 

science lessons focus on the natural environments of 

Oʻahu, with special attention to wetland ecosystems, 

watersheds, and fresh and saltwater ecosystems. 

Students meet with the Kupu Educator at specific 

work sites within the Waipahu and Pearl Harbor 

coastal plain to engage in cultural restoration and 

conservation work. Students will have opportunities to 

learn from conservation professionals and community 

elders about the significance of the environment, 

particular work site, type of work, and importance 

of marine stewardship. The curriculum engages 

theoretical application gained through field experience.

A student from Maui High School practicing her newly learned 

skills of in-water marine surveying in Kaho’olawe. Credit: 

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kaho‘olawe 

Island Reserve Commission

Project Update

Through the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural 

Resources, Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, 

five Maui high school students and two teachers got an 

opportunity of a lifetime to receive education and training 

at Kaho‘olawe during a 4-day, 3-night trip. This trip 

provided the aspiring marine scientists with a wide range 

of experiences, including coastal and upland restoration, 

in-water survey techniques, traditional observational 

monitoring methods, ancient cultural sight visits, and daily 

review and reflections. 

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo — Oral History 

Documentation of Fishpond and Aquaculture 

Practitioners in Hawai‘i ($11,750)

This project focuses on the documentation of oral 

history to highlight the innovative and pioneering 

spirit of the elder generations of aquaculturists 

in Hawaiʻi. Importantly, this project will include 

interviews with elders of the indigenous aquaculture 

community of loko iʻa practitioners, many of whom are 

community activists who fought to protect fishponds 

from destruction and further loss. Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo 

will document and uplift the lived experiences of loko 

iʻa practitioners as a means to ensure the incorporation 

of restorative aquaculture as a crucial part of our food 

systems and to continue supporting NOAA’s long-term 

mission goal of resilient coastal communities and 

economies. Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo will recruit local 

youth across three different islands to participate 

as interns, fostering intergenerational learning 

with seasoned experts in the fields of both modern 

aquaculture and traditional fishpond practice. 

Government of Guam: Department of 

Administration, Bureau of Statistics and Plans

— Guam Student Microplastics Research Program 

($8,117)

The Guam Student Microplastics Research Program 

encourages high school students to pursue careers in 

marine science, natural resource management, and 

sustainability by empowering them with training to 

generate novel scientific research on microplastics 

and share their findings. Students will contribute to a 

multi-school research project measuring microplastics 

on seagrass blades and study microplastics in seawater 

samples. They will review the various data collected, 

discuss implications and shortcomings of their 

findings, and brainstorm ways to share their work 

on social media to raise awareness of microplastics 

pollution. This project improves our understanding of 

the prevalence of microplastic pollution and increases 

awareness of this issue and how to mitigate it. Students 

can utilize their microplastics monitoring training for 

future monitoring efforts and science projects.

Water samples containing microplastics can be found 

from different areas such as coral reefs, boat ramps, and 

seagrasses. Credit: Cara Lin

Project Update

Approximately 500 students participate in the Guam 

Island Wide Science Fair each year. For the past few 

years, these students have had a chance to win a 

highly coveted marine science internship under the 

tutelage of a scientist from the University of Guam 

Marine Laboratory. Supported by an MET grant, the 

internship program nurtures students’ marine science 

interests through mentorship and training in various 

scientific skills, including microscopy techniques and 

data and statistical analysis, among others. 

In this last year of funding, two students won the award: 

Miwa Gudmundsen, whose internship project focuses 

on temperature stress in corals; and Felix Gong, 

who is researching the morphological characteristics 

of staghorn coral species around Guam for his 

internship project. 

Ultimately, the program hopes students will pursue 

STEM degrees in college and eventually return to 

Guam, helping to build capacity for marine science and 

STEM in the region.

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

18
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986

The Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986 assists 

states in managing interjurisdictional fisheries 

resources. Apportionment to states is based on the 

average value and volume of raw fish that domestic 

commercial fishermen land. The data obtained is 

the principal source of information and analysis 

for the fisheries activities and management options 

that are used to address federal requirements for 

fisheries management plans under the jurisdiction of 

NOAA Fisheries. In 2021, PIRO allocated $302,296 to 

four projects.

American Samoa Government: Department 

of Marine and Wildlife Resources — American 

Samoa Interjurisdictional Fisheries Stock 

Assessment and Monitoring Program ($164,538)

DMWR of the American Samoa Government assesses 

and monitors the status of interjurisdictional fish 

species caught within the American Samoa EEZ. 

The resulting data is the main source of information 

used to address local and federal requirements for a 

Fishery Ecosystem Report under the jurisdiction of the 

American Samoa DMWR and NOAA Fisheries through 

the WPFMC. Through the cooperative efforts between 

federal and local agencies, fisheries information 

provides a timely developed, implemented, and 

evaluated Fisheries Ecosystem Report for the territory 

of American Samoa and the WPFMC.

State of Hawai‘i: Department of Land and 

Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic 

Resources — Fisheries Act Award Application - 

State of Hawai‘i ($105,716)

DAR is modernizing the commercial marine licensing 

and fisheries reporting systems (CMLS) for the State 

of Hawai‘i. The agency has nearly 3,800 fishermen 

required to obtain commercial marine licenses to 

offer marine life for commercial purposes in the State 

and 3,000 commercial fishermen submitting monthly 

fishing reports. Per Hawai‘i Revised Statute §189-10, 

DAR also collects transaction purchase reports from 

255 active primary commercial marine dealers. Both 

federal and state fisheries agencies use this integrated 

best-available data to assess the status of marine 

resources and to establish fishery regulations in State 

and U.S. EEZ waters. It is essential, therefore, that timely 

and accurate fisheries data are available for fisheries 

agencies to make informed management decisions. 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands: Division of Fish and Wildlife — Data 

Collection and Entry in Interjurisdictional Fishery 

Resources ($16,021)

During fishing tournaments, the CNMI Division of 

Fish and Wildlife collects, processes, and shares 

important fisheries monitoring data. This principle 

source of information provides the CNMI with an 

analysis of fisheries activities and management 

options of pelagic landings during tournaments. Data 

further equips federal and local fisheries management 

programs in the CNMI and assists in addressing federal 

requirements for Fisheries Management Plans under 

the jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries through WPFMC. 

A record of fisheries data guides in the development, 

implementation, evaluation, and amendment of fishery 

management plans in the Western Pacific region. 

Government of Guam: Department of 

Administration, Bureau of Statistics and Plans 

— Data Collection and Entry in the Management 

of Guam’s Interjurisdictional Fishery Resources 

($16,021)

Data collection of the interjurisdictional fisheries 

provides local and federal officials with vital 

information to effectively manage and sustain 

Guam’s fishery resource. Guam has collected data of 

transshipped species offloaded by longline vessels at 

Guam’s commercial port, and it has entered this data 

into a computer-based data processing system, in 

coordination with the NOAA Fisheries Western Pacific 

Fishery Information Network program. While the tuna 

transshipment company closed on December 31, 2020, 

the Bureau of Statistics and Plans requests to maintain 

this program objective on the data collection and entry 

of transshipped species offloaded at Guam’s maritime 

port of entry should operations resume.

This project will also collect and computerize 

fisheries-dependent data from the domestic fisheries 

on Guam under the Commercial Landings Data 

Collection program.

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

19
Habitat Conservation Program

Throughout the Pacific Islands Region, habitat 

protection efforts include programs to conserve, 

protect, and restore marine habitat and coastal 

ecosystems. Increasing partnerships with other federal 

and local authorities allows NOAA to maintain and 

restore healthy coastal ecosystems and implement 

strategies that minimize threats. The most biologically 

diverse yet threatened marine ecosystems are coral 

reefs. In 1996, the amended Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act (MSA; 16 U.S.C. 

1855(b)) established a new requirement to identify 

and describe Essential Fish Habitat to identify and 

protect against local stressors (overfishing, pollution, 

and habitat destruction) and global stressors (climate 

change, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification). 

The goals of Essential Fish Habitat help to maintain 

productive fishery species life cycles from spawn 

to maturity and rebuild depleted fish stocks in the 

United States. In 2021, PIRO allocated $220,685 for 

two projects.

University of Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Institute of 

Marine Biology — Developing Multiple Stressor 

Thresholds for Reef-Building Coral Species in the 

Pacific Islands Region in Support of Essential Fish 

Habitat Management ($180,685) 

This project will identify potential environmental 

and anthropogenic (human-caused) factors that 

may influence the long-term resilience of coral 

reef ecosystems and assess both its resistance and 

resilience to episodic events in specific populations, 

locations, and habitats. Through systematic gray 

literature and meta-analysis, the project will develop 

a framework to manage thresholds for sedimentation 

and other co-stressors on nearshore coral reefs and 

associated ecosystems. Understanding and quantifying 

the impacts of anthropogenic stressors of reef-building 

corals, including synergistic effects and critical 

threshold values in the Pacific ecosystems, will enhance 

the management of coral reefs and the fisheries habitat 

that they provide.

State of Hawai‘i: Department of Land and 

Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic 

Resources — Life History Information for Key 

Hawai‘i Coral Reef Fish Species ($40,000)

DAR has identified life history data gaps of Hawaiian 

coral reef fish species needing more effective 

management. This project collects specimens across 

a range of sizes and throughout the annual cycle; 

prepares samples; measures, visually assesses, and 

preserves gonads; extracts and preserves otoliths; 

and conducts data analysis and reporting. Lack of 

life history information impedes the development of 

effective regulations for some of these species. DAR 

has identified nenue (rudderfish, Kyphosus spp.), munu 

(doublebar goatfish, Parupeneus bifasciatus), and moano 

kea (blue goatfish, P. cyclostomus) as priority species 

with life history data gaps. It will focus sampling efforts 

on O‘ahu but may preserve specimens from other 

islands for future research projects.

Did You Know?

PIRO’s Habitat Conservation Division (HCD) initiates 

or supports efforts to protect, restore, and conserve 

marine and coastal habitats throughout the U.S. Pacific 

Islands Region. Through effective partnerships and 

coordination with other federal and local resource 

partners, including local communities, HCD supports 

the management of complex coastal ecosystems 

by reducing fishing-related impacts and addressing 

coastal and marine degradation challenges. 

A school of surgeonfish. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/

Robert Schroeder

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

20
Pacific Islands Region International Fisheries Program

This grant program supports projects to inform 

conservation and management practices for 

international fisheries and transboundary marine 

resources in the western and central Pacific Ocean 

(WCPO). Past and present awards include projects 

for protected species such as marine mammals, 

sea turtles, sharks and mobula rays. Projects may 

also focus on a broad range of initiatives related to 

international fisheries in the WCPO, such as protected 

species interactions, ecosystems and biodiversity, 

maritime security, regional fisheries capacity building, 

and strengthening international partnerships. 

Projects funded in 2021 include initiatives to enhance 

data collection and develop mitigation and release 

protocols to aid in the recovery of newly ESA-listed 

transboundary protected species. In 2021, PIRO funded 

one project under the international fisheries program in 

the amount of $155,894.

International Seafood Sustainability 

Foundation, Inc. — Addressing key research to 

Inform Mobula Rays Conservation in the Pacific 

Ocean ($155,894)

This project aims to improve estimates of Mobula ray 

interactions and mortality rates in WCPO purse seine 

fisheries, improve understanding of genetic population 

structure of Mobula rays, develop methods for 

minimizing bycatch, and identify handling and release 

methods to minimize post-release mortality. The 

project includes four specific objectives: 1) quantify the 

rate of interaction of the purse seine fishery with the 

various Mobula species, with emphasis on giant manta 

rays, and collect samples to identify unique stocks for 

management using genomic methods; 2) define and test 

handling and safe-release best practices for Mobula 

rays, including gear modifications, and evaluate Mobula 

ray post-release survival rate using survivorship tags; 

3) train fishers and observers to identify and sample 

Mobula rays and educate crew on best handling and 

safe-release practices for Mobulas; and 4) disseminate 

the result of this project to fishers, scientists, managers 

and the general public.

Did You Know?

The giant manta ray is the world’s largest ray with a 

wingspan of up to 29 feet. They are filter feeders that 

eat large quantities of zooplankton. Giant manta rays 

are slow-growing, migratory animals with small, highly 

fragmented populations that are sparsely distributed 

across the world. The main threat to the giant manta ray 

is commercial fishing, with the species both targeted 

and caught as bycatch in a number of global fisheries 

throughout its range. Manta rays are particularly valued 

for their gill rakers, which are traded internationally. In 

2018, NOAA Fisheries listed the species as threatened 

under the Endangered Species Act.

Credit: Joshua Stewart 

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

21
Sustainable Recreational and 

Non-Commercial Fishing Program

This grant program supports both recreational and 

non-commercial fishing projects in the PIR that 

improve sustainable fishing opportunities, maintain 

stability of fish stocks, and protect cultural fishing 

traditions. As recreational and non-commercial 

fisheries in the region are major economic contributors 

to coastal communities, this industry holds both 

essential social and cultural significance in the 

region through the perpetuation of subsistence and 

traditional fishing practices. Projects funded share a 

common theme of using local knowledge and citizen 

science to inform best management practices. In 2021, 

PIRO funded five recreational and non-commercial 

fishing program projects in the amount of $127,634. 

500 Sails — Peskan Tåddong 

(Deep Bottomfishing) ($30,000)

The Peskan Tåddong project will expand the base 

of deep bottomfishing practitioners in the CNMI by 

having expert local fishers share their knowledge of 

both traditional and modern fishing methods and 

teach novice fishers the art of deep bottomfishing. 

Through formal classroom instruction and on-thewater demonstrations and practice, participants will 

gain understanding of the priorities, concerns, and 

challenges faced by the CNMI fishing community. 

They’ll learn where the fishing grounds are and how to 

safely reach them, how to use traditional and modern 

fishing gear and accessories, how to target specific fish 

species at different depths, resource conservation and 

sustainable practices, night vs. day fishing strategies, 

boating safety, and how to safely store and handle fresh 

catch. The project will also develop a bottomfishing 

teaching curriculum and outreach materials to inform 

and promote deep bottomfishing to the CNMI public.

Poseidon Fisheries Research, LLC — Fishing 

Tournaments as a Means to Support Local Fishing 

Communities and Promote Citizen Science 

($30,000)

These recreational fishing tournaments will create 

opportunities to bring fishers and the community 

together while focusing on providing valuable 

biological data to fisheries researchers. Two fishing 

events will include a marine debris cleanup and 

educational workshops on the first day followed by 

the fishing tournament the next day. Fishers who 

participate in the first day cleanup and workshops 

will be entered into the tournament free of charge. 

The tournaments will be designed to maximize data 

collection on each of the fish captured. Participants 

will learn about the life history of local reef fish 

while collecting otoliths and gonads from the fish 

to supplement their research, and they will receive 

insightful information while samples are taken for 

analysis. The project will film fishing events to observe 

all of the different research that is currently being 

conducted and offer a means to connect and contribute 

to the research.

Researchers Cassie Pardee and Joe Giglio sample pāpio during fishing 

tournament on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Credit: WPFMC/Zach Yamada

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

22
Pacific Islands Fisheries Group — Enhance 

Next-Generation Fishermen Engagement In 

Pacific Islands Small Boat Pelagic And Bottomfish 

Fisheries, Conservation And Management 

($29,530)

PIFG will produce 10 short “how to” videos on small 

boat bottomfish and pelagic fishing (gear, methods, 

weather, technology, safety, and management). The 

videos will highlight rules and regulations governing 

fisheries and resources management. This project 

promotes, supports, and develops sustainable fisheries 

by addressing local fishing community needs for 

basic fishing knowledge and information to further 

encourage new and continued participation in Pacific 

Island bottomfish and pelagic fisheries. The videos 

will be released via PIFG social media posts targeting 

the Pacific Islands small boat communities in Hawaiʻi, 

American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. PIFG will bridge 

the gap between experienced fishers and those 

interested in entering the fishery, allowing them to 

share knowledge. PIFG will track and evaluate the 

project’s reach and success through social media. 

Mariana Islands Nature Alliance — Installation 

and Maintenance of Monofilament Line Collectors 

for Recreational Fishing ($22,000)

This monofilament line collectors project promotes 

best practices for marine debris and responsible 

fishing by recreational and non-commercial fishermen 

on the island of Rota and Tinian, CNMI. The successful 

installation and use of the receptacles aid in the 

prevention of fishing lines entering the ocean in 14 

high-use areas in Tinian and seven sites in Rota. After 

fabricating and installing the collectors, complete with 

signage and decals, the project will launch a campaign 

to inform the public of the receptacles and how they 

benefit the protection of marine resources for future 

generations. Volunteers from non-profit organizations 

and clubs will maintain the collectors and properly 

dispose of contents while maintaining data to 

determine the collectors’ efficacy.

Na Kama Kai — The Lawai‘a Pono Project 

Promoting Sustainable Recreational Fishing 

Practices Based on Traditional Hawaiian 

Practices ($16,104)

To address overfishing of reef fish in Hawaiʻi and other 

environmental concerns, youth living on the leeward 

coast of Oʻahu will be inspired and empowered to 

become responsible fishers that adopt a life-long 

stewardship ethic for our precious marine resources. 

This project targets ocean safety and conservation 

awareness, and it increases the capacity of youth 

through Hawaiian values, culture, and environmental 

education. Under the guidance of accomplished fishers, 

keiki (children) will enjoy a culturally relevant ocean 

experience of fishing, learn the basics about the art 

of safe fishing, experience the enjoyment of spending 

time close to the ocean, and build self-respect to 

ensure sustainable fishery resources. They will learn 

about native marine and terrestrial ecosystems, 

watersheds, aquaculture, and the current demands and 

impacts on natural resources in Hawaiʻi.

A Mariana Islands Nature Alliance summer intern tracks data at 

fishing gear collection sites at Outer Cove Marina on Saipan. Credit: 

Mariana Islands Nature Alliance

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

23
Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Promoting Responsible Wildlife Viewing Program

Hawai‘i is home to many indigenous marine plants 

and animals, attracting people from all over the world 

who seek out experiences in the marine environment. 

The wildlife tourism industry in Hawai‘i has 

significantly increased over the last decade, placing 

more viewing pressure on charismatic protected 

marine species, including dolphins, whales, monk 

seals, and sea turtles. Both visitors and residents 

in Hawai‘i encounter these animals daily, and these 

interactions can often disrupt the animals’ important 

natural behaviors, such as resting, feeding, sheltering, 

and caring for young. Although these experiences 

can benefit protected wildlife by promoting species 

awareness and conservation, wildlife viewing 

should be performed in a way that is safe for people, 

minimizes harmful disturbance to wildlife, and is in 

compliance with the law. NOAA Fisheries has created 

Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines 

— https://go.usa.gov/xwPMn — for Hawai‘i to help 

commercial and recreational viewers behave safely 

when they encounter these animals in the wild. 

NOAA Fisheries also manages the Dolphin SMART 

program, which promotes responsible stewardship 

of wild dolphins and other protected marine wildlife 

by offering training to and guidelines for commercial 

wildlife viewing tour operators. In 2021, PIRO issued 

one federal assistance award to support the Dolphin 

SMART program, totaling $11,748.

Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai‘i 

DBA Hawaii Ecotourism Association — 

Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai‘i and 

Dolphin SMART: Certifying Responsible Wildlife 

Viewing ($11,748)

This learning module systems project will improve 

a tour operator certification program that assists in 

educating Hawai‘i visitors and residents on responsible 

wildlife viewing, with an emphasis on dolphin 

conservation and stewardship. Wildlife viewing is 

an ongoing management challenge with a negative 

impact on the survival of protected species. With a 

collaborative and education-based approach, this 

project promotes sustainable tour and travel practices 

through certified credits required for national tour 

guide interpretation accreditation. It encourages 

statewide sustainable tourism educational campaigns 

with an updated website and active social media 

accounts. Tour operators can access and use a growing 

library of education and outreach material about 

responsible wildlife viewing. This project cultivates 

partnership relationships to improve the wellbeing of 

the residents, environment, and culture of Hawai‘i.

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

24
2021 Unfunded Federal Programs

The following programs were not funded in FY21 due to 

budgetary constraints:

Western Pacific Demonstration Projects: Public Law 

104-297 (16 U.S.C. 1855) authorizes grants for Western 

Pacific Demonstration Projects that foster and promote the 

involvement of communities in the Western Pacific. 

Native Fishery Observer Program: The NOAA Fisheries 

Observer Program is responsible for providing longline 

observers, who obtain data on incidental sea turtle takings and 

collect fishing effort data. The observers document interactions 

of all protected species, tally fish that are kept and discarded, 

and process selected specimens for life history. The Native 

Fishery Observer Program targets Native Hawaiian, American 

Samoan, and other Pacific Islander residents for employment as 

fishery observers in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa fisheries. 

Hawai‘i Seafood Program: The Hawai‘i Seafood Program 

is an effort to help strengthen the economic viability of the 

fishing and seafood industry of Hawai‘i through activities that 

promote Hawai‘i fisheries as high-quality and safe domestic 

seafood produced by a responsible and well-managed fishery.

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

Pacific Islands Regional Office | FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFICE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

25

The Hawaii Seafood Council visited the Honolulu Fish Auction to inspect fish landings. They also learned how the fish auction operates, and 

about quality and seafood safety control measures. Each day’s fish landings are identified and tracked using barcoded tags from the vessel to 

the buyer and beyond. Credit: Hawaii Seafood Council
U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Gina M. Raimondo

Acting Under Secretary of Commerce 

for Oceans and Atmosphere

Rick W. Spinrad

Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

Janet Coit

September 2021

www.fisheries.noaa.gov

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

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Fisheries Service

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