![Federal Fisheries Council Has A Long History Of Secrecy](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2016/10/longline-boats-behind-fence-1024x683.jpg)
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](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2019/05/31142827/lions-park-boat-ramp-wide-samoa-wespac-1024x650.jpg)
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](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2018/12/05101204/United-Fishing-Agencys-PRGZ4042-1024x746.jpg)
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](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2021/11/07142151/art-councilpics-3-400x267.jpg)
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.
![Proposed Updates To Federal Fishing Law Target Wespac](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2021/11/03074456/fishing-net-dutch-harbor-alaska-400x267.jpg)
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.
![‘Not Just Wespac’: Federal Oversight Of Fisheries Is Under Scrutiny By Congress](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2021/11/16140010/Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-11.26.30-AM-400x225.png)
‘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.
![Congressmen Seek Reforms After ‘Damning’ Audit Of Pacific Fisheries Fund](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2020/01/31155635/Ed-Case-FAA-PC-400x225.jpg)
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.
![Federal Audit Finds Questionable Spending And Lax Oversight By Wespac Of Secretive Fisheries Fund](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2019/06/03153446/Western-Pacific-Regional-Fishery-Management-Council-sign-on-door-400x339.jpg)
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.
![Feds To Audit Wespac’s Handling Of Pacific Tuna Fund](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2019/05/02135014/LUM_6254-400x267.jpeg)
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.
![‘Red Flags’: Congressmen Ask Feds To Investigate Hawaii Tuna Money](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2018/12/12135842/501A8950-400x267.jpg)
‘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.
![Hawaii’s Longliners Could Soon Be Allowed To Catch 18 Million Pounds Of Tuna](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2015/12/Hawaii-Fish-Auction-action-tuna-ahi-head-400x267.jpg)
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
![Civil Beat Series Was Right: Wespac Is No Friend Of The Ocean](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2019/05/31142539/AR1I4089-400x267.jpg)
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.
![Contrary To Civil Beat Claims, Wespac Is Effective And Transparent](https://d1l18ops95qbzp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/2019/06/04095301/Western-Pacific-Regional-Fishery-Management-Council-sign-400x288.jpg)
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.