THE Parties to Nauru Agreement (PNA) 13th Ministerial Meeting ended in Nauru on Thursday, with Solomon Islands coming away satisfied following Kiribati’s decision to join the longline vessel day scheme (LL VDS) which the former had implemented since 2016.
Minister of Fisheries, John Maneniaru welcomes Kiribati’s decision to finally align itself with Solomon Islands and other PNA-member countries who have implemented the LL VDS scheme.
The 13th PNA ministerial meeting had brought together ministers from the eight PNA member countries to the birth place of the organization to look at important issues pertaining to the organization and the management of tuna fisheries in their waters.
The PNA ministerial meeting, held annually is where important issues affecting the PNA as a group were discussed.
One of the important issues discussed was the Vessel Day scheme (VDS) – a scheme implemented by the PNA countries to manage the fishing activities in their fishing zones.
The Ministers heard that the implementation of the Purse Seine VDS in 2017 was successful as all Parties were fishing within their Parties Allowable Effort (PAE) for 2017.
Solomon Islands delegation comprised of Fisheries Minister John Maneniaru, the Permanent Secretary Dr Christian Ramofafia and the Director of Fisheries, Mr Honiawala.
The delegation returns home today.
– Francis Pituvaka
Communication Officer
