An American Samoa government fishery official says the territory is keen on developing the local fishing fleet but securing capital continues to be a problem.
Yellowfin tuna inside a purse seine net Photo: Supplied / SPC
Tony Langkilde said the current fleet of alia, which had been in use for decades, was obsolete.
Mr Langkilde said the government wanted to move to a super alia fleet which could travel further, stay out longer and come back with a good catch.
He said it was very important for American Samoa to continue to develop local fishermen and have safe vessels.
"Our biggest problem is capital. It's been like that. Unless we try to acquire enough capital to develop our local fisheries, we won't be able to sustain it."
