“The new law is working!” said Faleomavaega.  “It takes a joint effort, and I am glad to see the dividends of this local-federal partnership.”  In this case, Uaea Ualesi, an alia fisherman sighted the foreign vessel and reported the sighting to Special Agent Martina Sagapolu-Failauga of the National Marine Fisheries Service and Officer Edwin Seui of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.  The vessel was boarded and searched, and the violations of federal law were confirmed.

“I want to commend Mr. Ualesi for filing an accurate report, and to the federal and local enforcement officers for their prompt and thorough action,” said the Congressman.  “With the continued support of our local fishermen and fishing enforcement staff, we can ensure that our local resources are protected from foreign operations such as this.”