Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

NORMA replaces MFA

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 10, 2002 - The leading maritime authority in the Federated States of Micronesia has changed its name from Micronesian Fisheries Authority (MFA), to the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA).

The Authority's history began under the banner of Micronesia Maritime Authority to guarantee the sustainable use, management and development of the nation's most valuable renewable resource, its marine resources. The Authority's establishment on January 1 1979, coincided with the recognition and establishment of the nation's Extended Fishery Zone, now re-named the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Micronesia Maritime Authority (MMA) in October of 2000, changed its name to Micronesian Fisheries Authority (MFA) to distinguish areas of its management. On March 08 2002, MFA was officially changed to the NORMA to describe the encompassing areas of management under the Authority.

The areas of the Authority's management are stated under Title 24 of the Code of the FSM, with duties to include the following:

  • To adopt regulations for the conservation, management, and exploitation of fish in the exclusive economic zone;

  • To conclude foreign and domestic-based fishing agreements;

  • To issue domestic, domestic-based fishing permits in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Authority;

  • To participate in the planning and execution of programs relating to fisheries, or fishing in the exclusive economic zone in which a state government or the government of the Federated States of Micronesia, or any agency or subdivision thereof, has a proprietary interest, direct or indirect, by way of stock ownership, partnership, joint venture, or otherwise;

  • To provide technical assistance in the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone;

  • To issue permits for fishing in the Territorial Sea or internal waters of a state as authorized;

  • To submit its budget and a report regarding the expenditure of its funds to the Congress each regular session for review;

  • To perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of Title 24.

The Authority is headed by the Executive Director Bernard Thoulag with Eugene Pangelinan service as Deputy Director.