The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is working with the company that's leasing the former Samoa Packing plant, Tri Marine International, on a training program for local fishermen.
The Council's National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA coordinator Eric explained that the program would train local fishermen in the best practices for fresh fish handling in order to ensure quality and price.
The program comes as Tri Marine's daughter company Samoa Tuna Processors Incorporated or STP, prepares to roll out its fresh fish export activities.
STP wants to purchase high quality fish primarily yellowfin, bigeye and mahi mahi for export from prequalified vessels unloading in American Samoa, and is sending letters to vessel owners inviting them to attend the training.
The training will be held at the STP facility in Atu'u on May 21, and a Samoan interpreter will be there to assist with translations.
