Forum Fisheries says Kirbati's cuts in US fishing days were part of the negotiated deal
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Foreign Affairs NZ] - October 16, 2014 -
Honiara, The regional Fisheries agency leading the just-ended annual fisheries negotiations with the US has clarified that Kiribati’s cuts to fishing days for US purse seiners in its waters was part of the negotiated deal.
Contrary to news headlines in recent days reporting widespread ‘shock’ at the news and ‘shattered regionalism’ for Pacific Fisheries, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Deputy Director-General Wez Norris says Kiribati made its revised position clear in plenary sessions during the negotiations in Honolulu earlier this month.
“Kiribati advised the negotiating session that due to changing circumstances it was no longer able to contribute the number of days it had in the past to the Treaty,” says Norris, adding, “the allocation of days is the sovereign prerogative of each Pacific Island Country and one that all governments undertake with much care and consideration for their national circumstances”.
“The Pacific Island Parties accepted that sovereign decision and used the time available in the negotiation session to identify alternative ways to provide a valuable and attractive offer to the US,” he says. “The ability to work together to deliver this package reflects the strength of regional collaboration and solidarity that has been the basis of pacific fisheries management and development over the last 35+ years and bodes well for the future”.
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