Fisheries Development Section report of sea and fishing trials on board the Samoan Fisheries Division's new 12.2 Super Alia, 26 April - 4 September 2000

The Samoan time longline fishery has developed rapidly over the last five years, with the main vessel used being the alia catamaran. These vessels target albacore tuna, which is landed locally, fiozen and exported to the two canneries in neighbouring American Samoa. An increasing component of the catch from the Samoan longline fishery is the catch of higher-value species, such as larger yellowfin and big- eye tunas. These fish are landed to processors, who export them fresh to overseas markets.