TAIWANESE FISHING BOATS PAY SOLOMONS FINE

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (SIBC, Oct. 30) – Two Taiwanese fishing vessels yesterday paid to the Solomon Islands government a total of $400,000 (US$54,480) in fines for breaching the country's fishing laws.

Permanent Secretary of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Tion Bugotu, says the boats were apprehended recently for illegally fishing in Solomon Islands waters.

Mr Bugotu warned that any fishing vessel caught breaching Solomon Islands fishing laws will be dealt with sternly under the law.

He says the fishing vessels must clear their standing in relation to their licensing conditions and registration with the Forum Fishery Agency which expired in September this year, before the Solomon Islands government can release the two vessels.

The two boats are currently at anchor in Point Cruz Harbor.

November 1, 2004

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corp.: www.sibconline.com.sb