Tuvalu has become the third Pacific country to close its waters to foreign fishing vessels this year in an effort to limit the tuna catch.
Tuvalu is one of the eight members of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement which aims to cut tuna fishing to levels that are sustainable.
It has joined Solomon Islands and Nauru in closing off its waters after its allocation under the Vessel Day Scheme for foreign trawlers was used up.
Under the scheme, a total number of days for fishing is set for the PNA area and then divided between the members.
If a PNA member uses up its days, it must close the fishery and purchase additional fishing days from another member.
