Sponsors contribute almost K1m for regional tuna forum

 SPONSORS from within the fishing industry and government agencies throughout the country have given about K1 million towards hosting of 5th Pacific Tuna Forum to be held in Fiji next month. 

National Fisheries Authority (NFA) managing director John Kasu said the forum would see speakers from different areas within the sector and all aspects of fishing gather to talk about development and management of especially tuna and fishing industry right throughout the Pacific.

He said it was important because 50 per cent of the catches came from waters within Pacific region.

“The response from the industry, the Government entities through various stakeholders, responses that have come through for this year have been enormous,” Kasu said. 

“The contribution so far has reached about K1 million

“This is an important forum where we have speakers from various walks within the sector in trade, or market and all aspects of fishing who gathered to talk about the development and management of especially the tuna fishing industry right throughout the Pacific.” 

Provincial and deputy administrators, provincial fisheries advisors and industry representatives were in Port Moresby last Friday to receive token of appreciation from NFA for their organisations’ contributions. 

The biannual event would be co-hosted by PNG and Fiji in Nadi on Sept 22-23. 

Kasu said a result from one of the previous forums was the establishment of majestic processing plant in Lae, adding the next forum would be held in PNG. 

PNG Fishing Industry Association president Pete Celso said: “Landscape of tuna industry has changed and developed in so many ways. 

“The biggest concern of which is sustainability of the resource. 

“Moreover, there have been 

varying degrees of development subject to continuing debates and discussions as regards to various issues. 

“I hope the forthcoming Pacific Tuna Forum will achieve the objectives for which it is being held to address many of the questions and issues relevant to the tuna development.”