Image Source: WWF Global
Uncontrolled fishing in the high seas has concerned Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Mao Zeming.
Minister Zeming expressed concerns in the 13th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Meeting in Fiji this week.
The Papua New Guinea delegation discussed with other Pacific Islands leaders, the lack of an effective plan and strategy to control tuna fishing in their waters.
They want the Commission to concentrate on managing high seas, while each member country worry about management measures in its own zone.
“The lack of prudent action by the Commission on the high Seas is a serious concern. This failure places a burden on Small Island Developing States, and hinders us maximizing the full potential of our fisheries,” Mr Zeming said when delivering the country statement for PNG.
“This highlights the continued failure of all of us gathered here. As a member, PNG calls on the Commission to ensure that appropriate and effective mechanisms are developed to protect our most valuable resource.”
Minister Zeming said the Commission should focus on the effective management of tuna in the high seas while each country develop its own conservation measure for its EEZ.
High Seas are pockets or corridors outside of the exclusive economic zones of countries in the region, which are targeted for tuna by fishing boats from Asia, and the US, who consider fishing in the zones too expensive.
