Federal Fisheries Council Has A Long History Of Secrecy
Wespac has for years resisted releasing information, fighting public records requests, lawsuits and even congressional inquiries.
Little-Used Boat Ramps, An Abandoned Marketplace, Rusting Ice Machines
In American Samoa, some locals say the Wespac fisheries fund projects have been a waste of money. They have more hope for a marina expansion currently in the works.
Conflicts, Lax Oversight Shroud This Secretive Fisheries Fund
A federal fisheries oversight council has stymied inquiries by congressmen, journalists and others over the past few years.
Ongoing Coverage
Wespac Is Still Fighting A Federal Audit That Found Over $1 Million In Questionable Spending
One out of every $6 spent over a decade by the influential regional fishery council was questioned by investigators.
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2021
Proposed Updates To Federal Fishing Law Target Wespac
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council’s lack of transparency and unabashed politicking has prompted an effort to curtail questionable behavior through legislation.
Screenshot/2021
‘Not Just Wespac’: Federal Oversight Of Fisheries Is Under Scrutiny By Congress
U.S. Rep. Ed Case used the first hearing on proposed reforms of the Magnuson-Stevens Act to ask where NOAA’s oversight has been in the alleged mismanagement of an obscure fisheries fund.
Kuʻu Kauanoe/Civil Beat/2020
Congressmen Seek Reforms After ‘Damning’ Audit Of Pacific Fisheries Fund
A bill being heard Tuesday to update the Magnuson-Stevens Act would take away Wespac’s control of the money and add new layers of oversight.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Federal Audit Finds Questionable Spending And Lax Oversight By Wespac Of Secretive Fisheries Fund
Federal investigators questioned one out of every $6 the regional fishery council spent over the past decade and documented inappropriate procurement practices.
Nick Grube/Civil Beat
Feds To Audit Wespac’s Handling Of Pacific Tuna Fund
The move by the inspector general comes after a Civil Beat investigation and request from four congressmen.
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat
‘Red Flags’: Congressmen Ask Feds To Investigate Hawaii Tuna Money
A lack of adequate response from NOAA and Wespac have only raised more questions about how the money is managed.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2015
Hawaii’s Longliners Could Soon Be Allowed To Catch 18 Million Pounds Of Tuna
Federal fishery managers recommended significantly increasing the amount of ahi that the fleet can catch.
Community Voices
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat
Civil Beat Series Was Right: Wespac Is No Friend Of The Ocean
Fishery council members have repeatedly shown that they cannot be trusted to govern themselves.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Contrary To Civil Beat Claims, Wespac Is Effective And Transparent
Articles overlooked “the many successes” the council has had in balancing the complexities of environmental stewardship and commercial use.