A tuna fishing association is opposing the United States' proposal to extend the largest marine protected areas in the world.
The proposal would expand the Pacific remote islands Marine National Monument and ocean preserve that lies between Hawai'i and American Samoa.
But the Californian based American Tunaboat Association says the expansion could eliminate fishing in traditional Pacific fishing areas for vessels that operate out of American Samoa and Hawai'i.
The association's executive director, Brian Hallman, says US fishermen were not consulted and the proposal would have a negative impact on American Samoa's tuna canneries.
