Fishing industry in Fiji was prone to a number of anomalies and corrupt dealings - Acting PM

The fishing industry in Fiji has been prone to a number of anomalies where there were corrupt dealings and misrepresented facts.

This was highlighted by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during the announcement of the names of the seven companies that will be the recipients of $3.2 million Tuna Support Fund.

Sayed-Khaiyum says it is important for Fijians to understand that our fishing companies face a lot of tough competition as the fishing industry is getting restrictive and fish talks are no longer done as much as it used to be.

Sayed-Khaiyum says for a number of years a lot of fishing companies hid behind different companies to hide their shareholding.

Fiji Fish Marketing Group Limited’s Executive Chairman, Grahame Southwick says it has been a tough road for some of the companies in the fishing industry that have been operating for the last 39 years.

Southwick says while the Tuna Support Fund does not sort out all the problems, it gives necessary support when it’s badly needed.

He says over fishing that is going on in the Pacific is devastating and the controls in the Fiji waters are quite strong.

Southwick says the industry has been boosted by having a Minister who solely looks after the fisheries industry.