Minister Naiqamu attends consultation on strategies for fishing markets

The Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Osea Naiqamu, attended a one-day consultation on a new fish marketing strategy at the Wainikoro Rural Fisheries Service Centre yesterday.

Fishing men and women from the four districts of Nadogo, Namuka, Udu and Dogotuki in Macuata gathered to consult with Mr Naiqamu and agree on a strategy that would boost the market.

He assured them that Government was committed to assisting them.

Acting director fisheries Suresh Chand said one representative from each district would be chosen with three from the Fisheries Department to form the Wainikoro Fish Market Company which would no longer be a co-operative business.

He said the objective of the board would be to act as an intermediary between the co-operative businesses, Government and non-governmental agencies in undertaking of fishing activities the benefit of which would go to the members.

“The new board would buy and market members’ marine products ensuring that the maximum benefit is obtained for the members,” Mr Chand said.

He said this would help in creating more rural employment and economic activities within the area of operation.

Mr Chand said this was an Overseas Fishery Co-operation Foundation of Japan, Fisheries and Co-operative Department’s project from June 2002 to March 2006.

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