Amata Congratulates Seafood Academy Graduates

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is delighted to congratulate the first graduating class of the American Samoa Seafood Academy.

Graduates are Lui Lesa, Pasene Kitiona, Mark Phillip Hallig, Tafoti Tami, Brandan Pualau, Francis Stowers, Salamo Tailele, Donald Alefaio Jr., and Rep. Alexander Jennings.

"Congratulations to each of these graduates, and I also want to thank them for their initiative, and I know they will inspire the next classes," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "It was a pleasure to take part and voice my congratulations in person. Thank you to Governor Pulaali'i, and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., and I want to specially recognize the efforts of the entire team at our Department of Commerce and Director Aliimuamua Magdalene 'Lina' Petaia-Suisala."

Starting with major federal grant support announced in 2020, at the time an initial $4.4 million announcement with updates since, one of the four-vessel ASG Alia fleet is ready for use to strengthen the future of our territory's maritime commerce, safety and fishing operations. As with all such grants, these funds begin with congressional authorization and appropriations bills, then decisions in federal agencies in coordination with vital local efforts by ASG personnel to ensure federal requirements are met.

Amata concluded, "Thank you to the family members of these graduates on hand to cheer them on in support, and I believe our ancestors would approve this blend of modern inputs with our ancient ways of gaining sustenance and living in harmony with our ocean."

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