A Majuro-based shark fishing company has been allowed to send half its fleet back into Marshall Islands waters after paying half of a 110 thousand US dollar fine.
A long line shark fishing vessel owned by Edgewater Fishing Company, a branch of a Hong Kong based firm, was caught illegally fishing next to Jaluit Atoll in the southern Marshall Islands in early May.
The company was subsequently fined 200 thousand US dollars by the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority and its seven vessels ordered into port until the matter was resolved.
Late last week, Edgewater agreed to pay 110 thousand dollars in fines in two installments, and four of its boats were allowed back out fishing.
The remaining vessels will be allowed to resume fishing when the second half of the fine is paid, however the vessel that was caught fishing illegally is to remain in port indefinitely.
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