High-level talks are being held in Vanuatu after the European Union issued the country a 'yellow card' for illegal unreported unregulated fishing.
A fisheries management and policy officer from the Department of Fisheries, Christopher Arthur says the yellow card means Vanuatu has not complied with certain international legal obligations the country is expected to follow.
Mr Arthur says the EU wants to make sure that the laws that govern Vanuatu's tuna fishing are not breached by Vanuatu-based fishing boats.
He says since the fishing boats also fish in international waters, it is important that their entire tuna catch is 'clean' as any illegal unreported unregulated catch could threaten Vanuatu's tuna export to the European market.
The EU says it is holding talks with the Vanuatu Government this week to reach common ground.
