The objective of the voluntary commitment is to minimize incidental catches of non-targeted species and to prohibit the use of destructive fishing methods.

Samoa has enacted legislation that prohibits the use of destructive fishing methods including explosives, traditional fishing methods and driftnet fishing activities in Samoas fishery waters. This will ensure the preservation of marine habitats in Samoas fishery waters to support the population and recruitments of fisheries resources.

Additionally, Samoa has implemented measures to minimize the incidental catch of non-targeted species in its commercial fishery so it would have a minimal impact on the wider ecosystem. This includes measures such as the use of circle hooks for the longline fishery to minimize incidental catches of sea turtles and the carrying of line cutters and dehooker devices to aid in the live release of sea turtles when incidentally caught. The use of wire as branch lines is also prohibited in the Samoan longline fishery. This will minimize incidental catches of sharks as sharks can bite its way off the monofilament but would not be possible when a wire is used.