By FARISHA AHMED
A report launched by environmental group, Greenpeace on ‘Transforming Tuna Fisheries in Pacific Island Countries; an Alternative model of Development,’ suggests more pole line fishing for the Pacific region.
The lead author of the report Dr Kate Barclay from Sydney’s University of Technology said pole line method is most socially and ecologically sustainable method encouraged by Greenpeace.
“This mode of fishing ensures very little by- catch and creates more employment than purse seine fishing as it requires large fishing crews,” she said.
“This means more employment opportunities for local people.”
Dr Barclay said Pacific Island countries should move quickly to enter the marketplace for responsibly sourced tuna.
Collective effort for method
The report recommends the development and marketing effort of local pole and line operators with demonstrated positive impacts on environmental sustainability.
Dr Barclay said the government must work with the industry and other stakeholders to raise awareness at all levels about environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tuna fisheries.
This is to build and sustain market demand for pole line, hand-line and other sustainable artisanal tuna fisheries.
Employment
The report states that local ownerships and vessels can improve the management of fisheries resources and facilitate more development opportunities in local economies.
Dr Barclay in Fiji’s case study said vessels registered in Fiji or operating in Fiji are wholly owned by Fijian citizen or a company incorporated in Fiji and at least 30 percent Fijian owned.
Fiji fishing boats
The vessels namely Fiji Fish, Solander, represented by Fiji Tuna Boat Owners Association and companies owned by ethnic Chinese Investors such as Golden Ocean and Hangton Pacific are defined as Fiji’s real domestic fleet.
“They have locally flagged vessels and employ mostly Fijian nationals,” the report said.
Fiji Fish, Solander and Golden Ocean generate a lot of employment for locals.
“On the Fiji Fish, the vessel is fully crewed by Fijians, except for the captains who are Korean.
“On Solander, most of the captains and chief engineers are expatriates, but the rest of the crew is local.
“And on Golden Ocean, they employ about five to six Fijians on every vessel.