The Government has approved a number of incentives for the local fishing industry.
Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests, Inoke Wainiqolo confirmed that they will increase the number of fishing licenses from 50 to 60.
Wainiqolo also confirmed that from now local fishing companies can pay their license fees in installments.
He said the term for the fishing license will be for three years from now.
Wainiqolo added that they will also increase the bunker fuel levy on foreign fishing vessels from two cents to six cents.
He said part of the increased levy on bunker fuel for foreign fishing vessels will be used to assist the local fishing companies.
Meanwhile, Fiji Tuna Boats Owners Association president, Grahame Southwick said they are surprised to hear that the fishing licenses will be increased to 60 as they had not requested for it.
However, Southwick said they are happy with other incentives that have been approved.
