Tuna Fishing Industry

That challenge, as well as the lack of proper educated fishing crews, the limited amount of tuna stock as an impact of Climate Change and other related issues was raised by Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi during an interview with Radio Tonga at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s 15^th (WCPFC) Convention in Honolulu this week.

‘The albacore fishery is a lifeline for our people,’ Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General Dr. Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen told Pacific Editors in Honolulu.

The loan will go towards a new fishing vessel for the company National Fisheries Developments and maintenance of its fleet in Noro.

The IFC's Tom Jacobs said the loan would promote sustainable fishing and employment in the Solomons.

"What we're trying to do with our investment is to promote livelihoods, sustainable livelihoods, for Solomon Islanders and help contribute to the security and sort of equity in the country," Mr Jacobs said.

"And by doing so really help bring some enhanced standards to the operation of the fisheries sector in the country."