Arrival Of Vessels May Signal New Tuna Venture In Cooksff
4 October 2006
Cook Islands The arrival of two tuna fishing vessels at Rarotonga’s Avatiu harbor could signal the beginning of a new tuna fishing venture, the Cook Islands local new sources reports.
The news source reports that both vessels, Talofa I and Talofa II, have been sourced from Tonga and appear to have the capability to hold up to 200 tons of catch.
The ministry of marine resources has confirmed that the vessels are registered in the Cook Islands, adding that it was in the process of issuing them with operating licenses.
Tuna Fishing Association president Tapi Taio told that he was concerned the fishery operation remained under Cook Islands control and were fished by Cook Islanders.
The association, said Taio, was also mindful of the need for proper, enforceable, management controls to ensure future sustainability of tuna stocks, especially through avoidance of over fishing.
