6 Jun 2005

Pacific Island Forum members to begin talks on regional fish resources in Marshall Islands

7:04 am on 6 June 2005

Pacific Forum member countries begin high level talks in the Marshall Islands today about fishing in the region.

The week long meeting being hosted by the Forum Fisheries agency in Majuro will discuss major challenges facing Pacific countries.

The FFA regulates fishing within member countries exclusive economic zones to ensure economic and social benefits from fish resources, that are sustainable and compatible with conservation.

Our correspondent in Majuro, Giff Johnson, says up for discussion are various fishing issues.

"The establishment of the new Tuna commission, which is supposed to regulate fishing outside of the 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zones of island nations, issues relating to the European Union, a lot of monitoring and survelliance issues, and some technical and stock assessment reports."

Giff Johnson says the Tuna Commission has already had a major setback with its appointed Australian head, Michael Lodge, deciding not to take up the role.