An Australian selected to head the Tuna Commission last year has decided not to take up the role.
Twenty-six nation representatives selected Michael Lodge last December to head the new commission that is meant to regulate fishing outside the Exclusive Economic Zones of Pacific countries.
Our correspondent in Majuro, Giff Johnson, says Mr Lodge's sudden departure will be discussed at the Forum Fisheries Agency meeting in the Marshall Islands next week.
"Six months after he had been named to take the position, he's now said he will NOT take it and there's this huge gap of getting the administration apparatus of the Tuna Commission up and running and that's of concern to all of the fishing Forum members."
Giff Johnson.
Members of the new Tuna Commission include Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea and Taiwan.
