21 Jul 2005

American Samoa fines fishing boat operators for illegal discharge in Pago Pago harbour

3:48 pm on 21 July 2005

The US Coast Guard unit in American Samoa and the territorial government's Marine Patrol Unit have cited two fishing vessels over the past week for the discharge of oil and raw sewage into local waters.

The US Coast Guard spokesperson, Frank Thomsen said the two foreign vessels were each issued a ticket requiring them to pay fines.

Mr Thomsen didn't disclose the fine amount issued for either vessel.

Vessel owners are to travel three miles outside of Pago Pago harbour to empty their raw sewage tanks.

With oil, the distance is five miles outside the harbour.