Tougher Treatment For Fish Poachers

The grounding on a Tongan reef in December of the Pago-based, Korean fishing vessel, the Nam Hae No. 225, ( PIM, Jan., p. 133) has caused a stir in Tonga about territorial fishing rights. An inquiry to decide what to do with the equipment salvaged from the vessel is to be held.

Though the vessel broke up not long after hitting the reef, the crew of 19 escaped and most of the vessel’s equipment was salvaged.

The Tongan Minister for Customs, as Receiver of Wreck, is holding the salvaged material.

In 1966, Tonga announced that foreign fishing vessels found fishing in her territorial waters would have their catch confiscated. But there has been no action since then—even though foreign vessels have been reported in these waters. The inquiry may mean the beginning of a tougher attitude.

Meanwhile, New Guinea is making no bones about allowing foreign vessels into her waters. After January 31, foreign vessels can’t enter a 12-mile declared fishing zone around P-NG. Entry to territory ports will only be permitted in cases of “real or unforseen emergency” or where prior permission had been obtained for entry of vessels engaged in fisheries or oceanographic research.