The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, together with the Samoa Tautai Association and Apia Export Fish Packers, received new safety equipment and tools on Wednesday as part of partner support for Samoa’s tuna fishing sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Afioga Aiolupotea Toni Aiolupotea thanked Conservation International and the American people for the contribution, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Afioga Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo. He also acknowledged Reverend Roseti Imo, United States Chargé d’affaires Mr Daniel Tarapacki, Conservation International Samoa Country Director Le’ausālilō Leilani Duffy, presidents of the Tautai Associations for Savai‘i and Upolu, and representatives of the Samoa Autautai Associations.
The Associate Minister said the support includes 50 coolers, 250 life jackets, and three safety rafts, intended to strengthen storage capacity and safety for crews operating offshore.
“We are grateful for this support and what a wonderful start to 2026 for our fishing industry.”
— Hon. Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Afioga Aiolupotea Toni Aiolupotea
He said the equipment is expected to support the local industry, from alia boats operated through the Tautai Association to the commercial operation of Apia Export Fish Packers, and encouraged operators to prioritise crew safety.
“…will ensure good storage for fish caught, and safety out in the deep ocean.”
— Hon. Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Afioga Aiolupotea Toni Aiolupotea
The address also referred to wider pressures facing the sector, including changing conditions that can affect fish populations and the coastal communities that rely on fishing livelihoods. The Associate Minister said partner assistance can help reduce some costs for local fishers preparing their boats to go to sea, and urged the industry to make use of the equipment provided.
He closed by acknowledging Conservation International’s ongoing support and conveyed thanks from government and industry.
Article based on the keynote address by Hon. Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Afioga Aiolupotea Toni Aiolupotea at the handover of tuna fishing safety equipment and tools for Samoa’s local fishing industry, delivered on 22 January 2026.
