Policies eyed for tuna

By GYNNIE KERO
INCREASING downstream processing and accessing greater market opportunities for the country’s tuna are among other things to be captured in a new policy.
This was according to the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister Manasseh Makiba at the opening of the 7th Pacific Tuna Forum in Port Moresby yesterday.
Makiba said a committee would soon be established to identify policies and strategies aimed at attracting more onshore investments in the tuna industry.
To be led by the Fisheries Minister Dr Lino Tom, the committee would comprise of relevant government departments and agencies, and the fishing industry.
The domestic tuna processing and fishing industry raised concerns on paying the same vessel day scheme (VDS) fee of US$10,500 (K35,713) as distant water fishing nations.
Another industry concern was the country’s stringent work permit and visa requirements affecting foreign crews on PNG-flagged vessels.
It was understood that this has led to a significant number of PNG-flagged vessels reflagging to other Nauru Agreement (PNA) member countries.
Makiba said the Government had taken into account the concerns and there was a proposal for the VDS refund for fish that was landed in PNG.
“We need to look at how we treat fishing crews when it comes to work permits and visa, especially those from neighbouring Pacific island countries,” Makiba told the forum.
“It is essential that Pacific island countries take into account the overall value of the tuna fisheries and the employment opportunities that onshore processing could create.
“It is also important that Pacific island countries work together to establish a common understanding in monitoring of investments in the region,” Makiba said.
“Efforts must be given to discourage investors from shifting their investments and the reflagging of their fishing vessels from one island country to another.”
He stressed for Pacific countries to remain true to their resolution to maintain regional solidarity. He also noted that the rebate scheme introduced in 2017 to encourage onshore processing was being reviewed.
With the scheme, tuna processors (six) get a rebate of US$400 (K1,360) for every metric tonne of tuna produced.
Information from Forum Fisheries Agency indicated that the tuna catch taken in Papua New Guinea’s waters last year was more than US$700 million (K2.3 billion).