fisheries net

PNG tightens the fisheries net

PAPUA New Guinea is to close all its archipelagic waters to non national vessels and will review all agreements with foreign companies currently permitted to fish in its exclusive economic zone. Fisheries Minister Akoka said the policy changes were aimed at localising the industry and forcing foreign operators to invest in on-shore facilities.

Doi said he has told the fisheries and marine resources department in Port Moresby to review the licensing policy on deep-water tuna boats. He said his policy was aimed at developing a viable local fishing industry, and benefitting people living in maritime provinces who would have access to the ocean.

Doi wants foreign companies to go into partnership with the local people, or invest in a domestic-based tuna processing industry. If they work within these guidelines they will receive tax exemptions on all fishing gear and fuel, and reductions in export taxes on all fish products.

Doi regards as a disgrace that Papua

New Guinea imports K 7 million

(SUS7.IB million) worth of fresh fish a year as well as canned fish. He said foreign investors needed to be shown that his country was serious about establishing its own tuna industry. □