1. Fisheries Sector: Samoa
Priority adaptations to climate change for fisheries and aquaculture in Samoa: reducing risks and capitalising on opportunities
Apia,4th & 5th April 2013
Prepared: Joyce Samuelu Ah Leong – Fisheries Division, MAF
Talofa lava,
In this presentation, I will explain the role of the Fisheries Sector in the development of Samoa,

2. Presentation Outline Background Role and Status of fisheries in Samoa
Fisheries Management and Development Frameworks
Fisheries and Climate Change
Talofa lava,
In this presentation I will explain the role and importance of the fisheries sector to Samoa’s development.
I will briefly explain the existing framework of management and development in which the Fisheries Division currently manages, develops and control fisheries in Samoa.
And thirdly, how are thee frameworks suitably addresses the impacts of climate change. Are they still relevant? Do we need to review them and hopefully, at the end of this 2 day workshop we are able to determine that.
From the presentation I will also clarify the contributions of the fisheries sector in value and

3. Background Land area = 2,935 sqkm2
Reef area =10,000 sqkm2 at 50 m depth
EEZ = 120,000 sqkm2
Annual GDP = million USD ~ 11.4% from agriculture and fisheries
There are 12 islands in Samoa in which 4 are inhabited.

4. Role of Fisheries
Fisheries is vital in the Samoan way of life – protein, income earning, livelihoods, cultural and social values.
Subsistence fisheries
Landings at 14,000 metric tones ~34 million USD
Catch per unit effort = 2.24kg/hr
Av. Consumption per capita = 60kg/year
86% of fishing in inner reef, 23% outer reefs, 4 % offshore.
Again we can not stress enough on the importance of fisheries in the Samoan way of life. The Samoan culture, language and slogans evolve around fishing practices. Fish is one of the main protein for our diet, fishing activities are with cultural significance to our everyday life, community way of life.
Subsistence fishery is mainly the type of fisheries whereby fishermen catch fish for their own consumption. However for our understanding, what we mean by subsistence fisheries it is the fishing at the village level.
In 2007, fisheries socio-economic survey showed that around 14,000metric tonnes are caught, by these type of fishing.

5. B. Artisanal Fisheries
Fishing activities with intention to sell and also consume.
2011/2012 landings in volume and value – 180mts, 1.7 million SAT
Artisanal fisheries – is a semi commercial or part subsistence part commercial, However for our management purposes, we look at artisanal fisheries as semi commerical fishing, and are mainly traded domestically.

6. C. Commercial Fisheries
Long line tuna fishery, deepwater fishery
Tuna as main export, 70% albacore, 16% yellowfin and 4% big eye.
Volume of 2,046 metric tones ~9 million SAT

7. Fisheries Legislative Framework
Fisheries Act 1988 – An Act for the conservation, management and development of the Samoa Fisheries.
Fisheries Amendments
Fisheries Management Bill 2013 – currently in translation.
The Fisheries Act 1988 mandates the Fisheries Division as the administration for the conservation, management and development of the Samoa. Main functions of the Act is to:….
To promote the conservation, management and development of the fisheries of Samoa
To promote the explorations of the living resources in the fishery waters
To promote the protection and the preservation of the marine environment

8. Fisheries Management & Development Policies
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Plan 2011 – 2015
To revitalize the agriculture sector to increase its relative contribution to the national GDP by 10% in 2015.
Tuna Management and Development Plan 2011 – 2015
Management of tuna resources and to sustain and maximize the economic benefits and participants of Samoans in the fishery.
The MAF Sector Plan is to
TMDP
The management of the tuna resources of Samoa, particularly the licensing arrangements for the domestic long line fishery; and
The future development of the tuna industry in Samoa to sustain and maximize the economic benefits and participation of Samoans in the fishery.
AMDP 2013 – 2016
CFMDP 2013 – 2016

9. Aquaculture Management and Development Plan 2013 – 2016
Long term benefits of socio-economic growth for Samoa as a result of develop of the aquaculture sector in a sustainable and responsible way, as an income generating activity alternative to capture.
4. Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plans 2013 – 2016 (in dvlpmt)
The overall goal is to ensure sustainable food security and prosper livelihoods through sustainable utilization, development and management of coastal fisheries in Samoa.

10. Fisheries Management Programs
Community-Base Fisheries Management Program (CBFMP)
Bottom up Approach, Initiated in 1995, Village Management Plans (VMPs), Village By Laws & Fish reserves.
94 villages with VMPs and 54 with fish reserves
Licensing of Commercial Fisheries efforts and processes.
Enforcement of Regulations
Resource Independent and Dependent assessments and surveys.
The CBFMP is solely for the management of community fisheries in which mainly contributes to subsistence and artisanal fisheries.
The CBFMP was initiated as there was a constant decline of fisheries resources as from assessments through destructive fishing in particular at communities.
It was a bottom up approach in which the village communities take the reign and ensuring that their traditional bans and taboos are strengthen through the establishment of Village Management Plans in which are legally recognized with the Village By-Laws.

11. Challenges in Relation to Climate Change
Outdated Legislation
Plans lacks climate change recognitions.
Climate change as a cross cutting issue involves other players.
Climate change impacts pose serious threats on fisheries resources.
As identified by the TMDP, there is a need to review the existing 1988 legislation

13. Faafetai lava!