Commercial fishing fees in Fiji's Macuata Province have been cut by half, due to tough economic times.
Fishing companies have previously complained that the 1,000 US dollar fee imposed in 2007 and 2008 was too steep.
The Fiji Times reports that chiefs have now slashed the fee to 526 US dollars.
It reports theTui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere as saying the chiefs decided to reduce the levy, which will come into force next year, as they understand the economic difficulties faced by fishing companies.
The owner of a major exporter Gold Hold Company Richard Du, has told Fiji Times it's good news for fishermen who sell fish to them.
However, he warns the new fee could see an influx of commercial fishermen which could lead to over-fishing.
