Authority investigating complaints of illegal fishing

THE National Fisheries Authority (NFA) says it is investigating complaints of alleged illegal fishing in Gulf.
Managing director John Kasu said the authority received a complaint from Governor Chris Haiveta regarding PNG-flagged vessels Caps 1 and Caps 2.
Following the complaint, Kasu said the vessels were recalled from operations in Umuda, Western, for the NFA to ascertain whether their licence conditions were breached.
“Fishing vessel Caps 1, was fishing south-east of Umuda Island in Western and was advised to leave the area and to call into port for further investigation into this allegation,” he said.
“The NFA’s enforcement officers boarded the vessel and are now working on the investigation.”
Kasu said Umuda Island where the vessel (Caps 1) was fishing on Nov 12 was well outside the closed area.
He explained that the vessels being duly licensed, 100 per cent registered and the alleged infringements and or breach of licensing conditions did not warrant the automatic cancellation of their licences.
Haiveta also, recently, raised the concern in Parliament and requested for almost 100 tonnes of lobsters on one of these vessels to be transferred to the Gulf government.
Kasu responded saying the outcome would be determined following the completion of the investigation.
“In this case, only a normal investigation process will determine this outcome,” he said.
“Currently, an investigation is on foot and appropriate enforcement actions will be taken to address this alleged breach of the relevant fishing laws.
“National Fisheries Authority will consider and take its best judgment on the cause of action if any, to take against the company and the captain.”