The owners of a fishing vessel which caused an oil spill in American Samoa last year have been fined just over US$1 million, but still deny any wrongdoing.
Tri Marine Management, Tri-Marine Fishing Management, and Cape Mendocino Fishing have agreed with the United States Justice Department to pay the civil penalty and to perform fleet-wide inspections.
The spill occured in Pago Pago harbour when a purse seiner collided with two other vessels while trying to dock.
RNZI's correspondent, Fili Sagapolutele, says the owners deny any wrongdoing, but see it as the best way to end the dispute.
"According to the decree, although they're not admitting any wrongdoing it's that this is the best way to litigate this issue to ensure that they conduct their own full inspection."
