14 Apr 2008

Samoa's Government to help put sails on fishing boats

7:28 pm on 14 April 2008

Tuna fishermen in Samoa are set to benefit from a new initiative to install sails on their boats.

The Ministry of Fisheries in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community will fund the installation of sails on Samoa's traditional 'alia fishing boats.

Our correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the sails will help fishermen save money and will also assist them in emergencies.

"It's something new to the boat owners. Of course, for them, if they are going to face any problems with the engines at the open sea, they can use the sail, and also if they want to save fuel, they can use the sail if there is enough wind out there in the open sea."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says 'alia boat owners have so far not made any comments regarding the initiative.