11 Dec 2018

StarKist could increase production in American Samoa

1:14 pm on 11 December 2018

American tuna cannery StarKist is expected to relocate some of its production from California to American Samoa.

This is according to a report received by American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga after meetings between a delegation from the US territory and the assistant secretary of the interior, Doug Domench, in Washington DC.

However, the move will be dependent on StarKist getting an amendment to its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit which deals with effluent discharge.

American Samoa's lieutenant governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who led the delegation, said if the amendment was not approved, American Samoa would not only lose 200-300 new jobs but existing jobs, because StarKist production in the territory would have to be reduced.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs