Masters of Fiji fishing vessels laid up because of depleting tuna stocks have been shut out of an emergency meeting under way in Suva to address the crisis in the fishing industry.
The Fiji Times reports that only one representative of the masters was later allowed into the meeting.
Sivorosi Longavatu, whose vessel was laid up last week after fourteen years at sea, is quoted as saying their concern is that they are the main players, while fisheries officials spend their lives in the office.
He says while Australia and New Zealand restrict fish catches by quota, it's open season in Fiji.
Mr Longavatu says foreign vessels can go and fish elsewhere when all of Fiji's stocks are gone, but he is questioning what will happen to the local vessels.
Half of Fiji's fishing fleet is now tied up and up to 6-hundred people are without jobs.
