The Government of American Samoa has set up a fisheries task force to track developments posing a threat to its canneries.
The task force comprises of government and private sector representatives and will review issues including the next hike in the local minimum wage and restrictions on fishing grounds in neighboring islands for US fishing boats.
Governor Lolo Moliga says as the economy is mainly driven by two canneries its necessary for American Samoa to become active participants in all forums and activities addressing fisheries issues.
The task force is charged with tracking all fisheries-related developments, policies, treaties, activities and issues to ensure that the economic security and competitive advantages of the local canneries are not compromised.
The group will present its strategies and recommendations to the governor.
