A closer
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
South Pacific Commission
A closer look at fisheries
TUNA purse seining, long lining, gill
netting and deep sea snapper fishing were amongst the many subjects discussed at the South Pacific Commission’s 21st Regional Technical Meeting on Fisheries (RTMF) at Noumea from August 7-11. Some coun tries have shown interest in the develop ment of local pearl culture industries. It was decided to establish a special Interest Group on the topic to compile and circu late information packages to member countries and interested organisations.
The meeting approved the in-depth
feasibility studies done by SPC and its consultants for a regional small-scale purse seine test fishing project. It recom mended that the project proceed to Phase 3 Implementation stage, with funding sought by the SPC. This will mean the deployment of a number of FADS (fish aggregation devices) in
strategic places, the charter of a project vessel (possibly European), and the use of the industrial support centres of Pal kula, Vanuatu; Levuka, Fiji, and Pago Pago. The entire project covers a vast area and will cost approximately $U54.25 million.
The study will determine if there are enough tuna outside the fishing grounds being exploited by larger nations like the United States and Japan, to be commer cially viable.
Dr Jeff Polovina, of the US National Marine Fisheries Service, Honolulu, pre sented research results on deep water snapper populations. They show a Max imum Sustainable Yields (MSY) of 10- 30% of initial standing stocks. Tongan and Fijian stocks appear to be going through the process of being fished down as the larger, older snappers dis appear.
A workshop on coastal long-lining stu died the Fiji experience presented by Graham Southwick, of Wasawasa Fisher ies, Suva. The tip was to attach light sticks to the branch lines to help increase the catch, either by attracting the bill-fish or the smaller fish they prey upon. Tuna were also attracted. â–ˇ