30 May 2005

Public meeting called on Niue about access to fishing zones

5:35 am on 30 May 2005

Canoe fishermen on Niue are reportedly calling a public meeting to discuss licensed boats moving too close to the island shores.

A canoe association spokesperson has told Niue News the meeting concerns government deals with Reef Group over licensing, quotas and accessibility to fishing areas.

Concern has also been levelled at subsidised fuel prices for foreign vessels which the association claims puts the local boats at a disadvantage.

The Reef Group fish factory, which is a joint ventrue with the government, is now selling tuna on the US market.

Supplies are being flown to Fiji using a chartered plane before being distributed.