Conservation International Launches 15 Village Fisheries Management Plans

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 10 June 2026 – The Conservation International, together with Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), officially launched 15 Village Fisheries Management Plans this morning.

The Ministry emphasized that these plans aim to protect and sustainably manage the coastal and marine resources of local villages.

The plans were developed for 15 villages that include: Fasito’otai, Vailu’utai, Faleatiu, Satapuala, Lalovi, Fuailolo’o, Satuimalufilufi, Apolima-uta, Apai-uta, Salua-uta, Siufaga, Samatau, Pata, Matautu, and Sama’ilauano.

Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Aiolupotea Toni Aiolupotea, highlighted the importance of having clear guidelines.

“The village fisheries Management Plans will help villages share knowledge, conduct training, and also distribute equipment to support sustainable fishing practices,” he stated

Aiolupotea explained the government’s commitment to conserving lands and oceans.

He stated that protecting coastal areas is a key part of Samoa’s ongoing efforts.

Aiolupotea also pointed out the challenges facing these areas, including the decline of many marine species, which affect the livelihoods of local communities.

Le’ausalilo Leilani Duffy, Samoa’s Director of Conservation International, explained that the Fisheries Management Plans are not based on foreign ideas.

Instead, they are the result of collective efforts by Village Councils, Chiefs (Ali’i), Women’s Committees, and local village members.

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the Fisheries Management Plans.

Fishing gears (pictured above) were also gifted to eight villages, while the remaining seven villages received theirs earlier.

Conservation International will hold a mangrove training session at Samoa Beach Resort on Monday.

Villages with mangrove areas will learn how to protect and use their mangroves sustainably.