Heavy Fine For Japanese Tuna Boat In Solomon Watersff

Text of report by Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation

The recently detained Japanese longline vessel FV Kinei Maru 118 has been fined 2.1m dollars (approx 300,000 US) for breaching its fishing license conditions. The Government Communications Unit reports that the vessel was found to have trans-shipped at sea on two separate occasions and has failed to keep records and supply relevant information to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources as required.

The fine was imposed by the minister of fisheries and marine resources, Nollen Leni, following advice from the Attorney- General’s Chambers, after considering an investigation report by fisheries enforcement and compliance officers and police officers from the Maritime Surveillance Centre.

FV Kinei Maru 118 is a longline fishing vessel belonging to the Japan Tuna Fisheries that has a valid license to fish in Solomon Islands waters under a bilateral arrangement with the government.

Commenting on the offence, Minister Leni warns that illegal fishing activities within Solomon Islands Waters will not be tolerated. He says those engaged in such practices must be prepared to face the consequences accordingly.

Minister Leni reiterates that fishing activities within the Solomon Islands waters are governed by the Fisheries Act, regulations and license conditions.