Qoliqoli rights owners to soon share proceeds from fishing licenses

The government will soon announce a new policy which will ensure the people with the qoliqoli rights will get to share the proceeds from the fishing licenses.

While officially opening the administration office at the Caboni Fisheries Hatchery in Togovere, Rakiraki Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made this announcement saying they will also develop a modern approach in issuing licenses that protects the fish stocks which will guarantee sustainability of the fishing industry.

Bainimarama says the government recognizes the traditional user rights and its applicability within customary fishing rights areas.

He also confirmed that the government will also look into the need for compensating the 410 qoliqoli areas.

Bainimarama says until such time when a framework has been confirmed, all customary fishing rights owners are to refrain from receiving goodwill payments.

Meanwhile, government has invested more than $1.6 million for the setting up of an administration office at the Caboni Fisheries Hatchery.

Bainimarama says government has granted another $700,000 this year for the construction of the staff quarters and supply of enough power and water supply.