August 12, 2004

Japan Acknowledges Unlimited Fishing In The Pacific Is Over

Japan has told Pacific Island countries it acknowledges that its fishing boats can no longer catch as much as they want to in the region.

Fishing issues were high on the agenda when a Japanese government delegation held a post-forum dialogue with Pacific Islands foreign ministers in Samoa, following the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

The delegation head, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Masatoshi Abe, assured the members that Japan will soon sign up for the Tuna Convention.

A Tuna Commission to oversee the management of a sustainable tuna fishery in the Central and Western Pacific will be set up in the Federated States of Micronesia later this year.

Mr Abe says Japan recognises the need for the convention.

"The time is over when we could catch as much fish as we want. We have to think the same principle of conservation regarding tuna," he said.

"Under the correct research and management we have to catch tuna and other fish so I was very glad to see this take effect," he said.