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Owners of tuna stocks benefit less
EIGHT countries of the central-western Pacific own half of the world
tuna stocks but have benefited little from these stocks because of lack
of on-shore processing facilities.
This was among some of the remarks made by delegates of a week-long
fish-study visit to PNG by delegates from member nations of the Partners
in Nauru Agreement (PNA) of which PNG is a leading member, having the
largest tuna stocks and largest landmass, followed by the Solomon
Islands.
The team visited fishing facilities in Lae yesterday including
International Food Corporation makers of Besta and Frabelle-Frescommer
Ltd to see first-hand the development of PNG’s fishing industry.
The local fishing industry in Morobe has taken a leap forward recently
with the launching of the Fisheries Credit Facility by the National
Fisheries Authority (NFA).
Morobe was identified as the first province to put to trial the scheme
which involves provincial fisheries, local fishing groups and private
sector partner Frabelle-Frescommer.
The delegates praised PNG in taking lead in promoting on-shore fisheries
facilities, describing the PNG tour as an eye-opener.
Chairman of the advisory council of Solomon Islands Tuata Mole made this
remark during a luncheon presentation at the Lae International Hotel
hosted by Frabelle-Frescommer Ltd yesterday.
Mr Mole made particular mention of the current arrangement between
Frabelle Frescomar and the Morobe provincial government through NFA’s
fisheries credit facility.
“We will be watching the development of the on-shore fishing facilities,
and in particular the Frabelle project as a role model, and are looking
at advocating this approach in our own countries,” he said.
He revealed that most of the revenue derived from Solomon Islands
fishing industry were from licensing fees given to foreign-owned fishing
vessels and from taxes from their fishing operations.
PNA Coordinator Anton Jimwereiy, who is attached with the Pacific
Islands Forum Fishing Agency in Honiara, said “the main focus of the
study-visit was in finding better ways of managing our tuna stocks and
controlling the licenses that are given to foreign fishing vessels”.
“PNA is encouraging focus on commercial arrangements and we see PNG as a
leading member in the PNA group in on-shore tuna operations,” Mr
Jimwereiy said.
He added that PNA members were sure of getting involved with PNG’s
operations in the future, saying on-shore fishing facilities promoted
employment and economic development.
The delegates yesterday were hosted to a dinner by Morobe Governor
Luther Wenge, which involved a briefing by the Morobe fisheries sector.
They leave for Port Moresby today for their last leg of the visit before
travelling to the Philippines to visit the head offices of IFC and
Frabelle-Frescommer.
 
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