Amata: Rose Atoll Should Be Off Limits

Welcomes Rest of President's Proclamation Opening Fishing Waters

Pago Pago - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata remains convinced that Rose Atoll should be off limits, her longstanding position, especially as she respects the cultural rights of the people of Manu'a. She also emphasized she is happy for the fishermen and supports the rest of the announced change, which will strongly benefit the U.S. fishing fleet.

Amata's position is that the 50-mile to shore limit for Rose Atoll should remain in place, but otherwise she hails the larger facts of restoring 490,000 square miles of fishing waters to the U.S. fleet.

"With our heads we can welcome good news for our economy, while our hearts treasure Rose Atoll and stand with our people in Manu'a," said Congresswoman Amata. "Thursday's proclamation by President Trump is incredible, positive news for our fishing and economy overall. I want to be clear that elsewhere throughout U.S. waters, I support the change and thank the President - but Rose Atoll has special significance."

"I respect the fisheries council process that Congress put in place, which is better than having any one person make fishing decisions," Amata noted. "I do not have a vote on the council, and though I am in disagreement in this one point, I respect the process and their expertise."

"The big picture is that this is an important order that strengthens U.S. food security, relies on science and analysis, reduces U.S. need for imported fish, and by strengthening U.S. presence in our waters, helps prevent I.U.U. fishing. All of this boosts our local island economy and honors our law-abiding U.S. fleet, and I appreciate that President Trump was willing to listen to our fishermen," Amata concluded. "When it comes to Rose Atoll, that's an exception and we rely on our hearts and culture."

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