The President of Samoa's Fish Exporters Association, Robert Ripley, says the government's proposal to impose a ten per cent tax on larger fishing vessels will have a negative impact on the industry.
Mr Ripley says the move could also mean a loss of jobs in the fishing inudstry.
Fish exports have been Samoa's main foreign exchange earner for the last several years.
The Samoa Observer says that the owners and operators of large boats say the tax is a slap in the face and could lead to a drain to other countries.
It reports that some fishermen are considering moving overseas and operating from there.
Mr Ripley says he was surprised the government would table such a bill in parliament without first holding discussions with the private sector.
