24 Aug 2011

Solomon Islands official says future fishing deals linked to onshore investments

11:26 am on 24 August 2011

The Solomon Islands acting minister of Fisheries and marine resources, Moffat Fugui, says future fishing access agreements with distant water fishing nations and fishing fleets will be linked to onshore investments.

He says if these new requirements aren't met, the Solomon's won't grant licences.

He made the comment during joint discussions in Papua New Guinea in preparation for the next round of Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations with the European Union.

Currently the EU has a bilateral fishing agreement with the Solomon's but no allocation of days under the newly implemented Vessel Day Scheme, though this could be accommodated in the negotiation of new fishing access agreements.