Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

NZ investing in sustainable Pacific fisheries

Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister

9 September 2011

NZ investing in sustainable Pacific fisheries

New Zealand will beef up investment in Pacific Ocean fisheries to lift the level of returns from this vital resource to Pacific nations, says Prime Minister John Key.

“Starting this year, we will invest $7.5 million over five years in a fisheries training programme to ensure a coordinated approach for private sector-led sustainable fisheries development in the Pacific,” says Mr Key.

“This will include upgrading the Pacific’s fisheries training institutions, fostering seafood business enterprise development, helping people in the industry gain formal globally-recognised qualifications, and up-skilling fisheries officials in areas like international commerce and investment appraisal.”

Mr Key says the Pacific Ocean’s fisheries are crucial to the region, but practical solutions need to be put in place in order for Pacific island countries to gain a greater share of the profits from the catch.

“We are implementing the $4.9 million Te Vaka Moana development programme this year, which will explore ways to maximise returns from the Southern long line fishery, improve fisheries management and address the issues caused by illegal fishing.”

New Zealand will also partner with Kiribati – which has the world’s second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone – to upgrade that country’s fisheries and marine training centres.

The Pacific Ocean accounts for 60 per cent of the global tuna catch, which is worth around USD$4.3 billion. Up to USD$400 million is lost each year through illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The 42nd Pacific Islands Forum is being held in Auckland from September 6 until September 9. Mr Key is the Forum Chair.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.