Council Requested Green Sea Turtle Status Reviews
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council finalized recommendations to review protected populations in September 2026.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Fishing
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Should federal agencies prioritize traditional cultural harvests over existing international sea turtle conservation treaties?
In September 2026, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council called for federal agencies to conduct status reviews of green sea turtle populations. These populations are currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Why it matters
The Council is seeking the restoration of traditional cultural harvests, arguing that the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles currently prevents these practices. Leadership has asked federal secretaries to consider renegotiating or withdrawing from the international agreement.
The shallow-set fishery currently supplies 50% of the U.S. swordfish market. The Council has requested that the National Marine Fisheries Service use existing observer data to evaluate the impact of Amendment 5 on turtle interactions.
The players
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council
This is a federal advisory body responsible for managing fisheries in the Western Pacific region of the United States.
National Marine Fisheries Service
This federal agency is responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and their habitat.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This federal government agency is dedicated to the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.
The details
The Council finalized recommendations to evaluate regulatory changes for Hawai'i shallow-set and American Samoa longline fisheries. Additionally, the group plans to collaborate with the National Marine Fisheries Service and local fishermen to develop an experimental fishing permit for bottomfish in Papahānaumokuākea.
Timeline
A crew training program for the Hawai'i shallow-set fishery began in 2024.
The Council meeting finalized fishery recommendations in September 2026.
Initial action for American Samoa longline fishery reviews is planned for December 2026.
Final action on Hawai'i shallow-set fishery amendments is scheduled for March 2027.
Roadmap
This move highlights the ongoing friction between the mandates of the Endangered Species Act and the desire for traditional cultural fishing practices. It marks a formal effort by the Council to realign federal regulations with regional interests in the Pacific territories.
The potential changes to the Hawai'i shallow-set fishery could influence the future availability and pricing of swordfish for consumers. Local fishing communities may also see shifts in permitted harvesting activities depending on the results of the upcoming federal reviews.
The takeaway
The Council is attempting to balance conservation requirements with the preservation of traditional cultural practices through formal policy reviews. These efforts underscore the complex administrative path required to adjust protected status regulations for endangered marine species.
What happens next
The Council plans to take initial action on American Samoa longline fishery reviews in December 2026, followed by final action on Hawai'i shallow-set fishery amendments in March 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional maritime regulations, visit the Fishing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guampdn.
Live Poll
Should federal agencies prioritize traditional cultural harvests over existing international sea turtle conservation treaties?
