Japanese longline vessel FV Kinei Maru 118 has been detained and fined $300,000 for breaching its fishing licence conditions. The Government Communications Unit reports that the vessel was found to have trans-shipped at sea on two separate occasions and has failed to keep records and supply relevant information to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources as required.
The minister of fisheries and marine resources, Nollen Leni, has imposed the fine following advice from the Attorney- General’s Chambers, after considering an investigation report by fisheries enforcement and compliance officers and police officers from the Maritime Surveillance Centre.
The local news sources told that FV Kinei Maru 118 is a longline fishing vessel belonging to the Japan Tuna Fisheries that has a valid licence to fish in Solomon Islands waters under a bilateral arrangement with the government. Minister Leni warns that illegal fishing activities within Solomon Islands Waters will not be tolerated. He added that those engaged in such practices must be prepared to face the consequences accordingly.
According to Minister Leni fishing activities within the Solomon Islands waters are governed by the Fisheries Act, regulations and licence conditions.
