Maintaining a Tuna Industry in Solomon Islands

Dr Ramofafia said the ministry will ensure the country's tuna resources and other marine resources are sustainable for future generations.Photo supplied

Solomon Islands tuna industry is growing and the Ministry of Fisheries is committed to ensure the country's tuna resources are sustainable, says the Ministry of Fisheries Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Ramofafia.

Dr Ramofafia said since the Ministry implemented its new policy on albacore fishing fleet, there has been an increase in revenue collection from the Noro off loading site in the Western Province.

He said the new policy also created the capacity to build infrastructure and employment.

In addition, 800 jobs were created last year in the Soltuna industry.

The Permanent Secretary said the tuna industry has also established a new association, signifying positive growth in the industry.

Dr Ramofafia said the ministry will ensure the country's tuna resources and other marine resources are sustainable for future generations.

He says Solomon Islands are also actively engaged with regional fisheries group, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA).

The PNA is a regional group consisting of all the major Pacific Island fishing nations in the Western and Central Pacific Basin.

The core objectives of the PNA is two-fold, first it seeks to ensure that its members maximize economic gains from its resources and second it champions the implementation of effective conservation and management measures.