KOROILAVESAU CLARIFIES FISH LICENCE RENEWAL FEE WORRY

The Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau, has clarified some concerns raised by a group of fishermen in Labasa after a consultation programme on Wednesday.

Mr Koroilavesau, while replying to the concerns on the proposal to increase licence renewal fees, said their views would be taken on board. The fishermen are concerned they would have to pay $3000 to renew their licence next year. Fisherman Roneel Prasad said this was too much to pay because all the costs incurred in maintaining a fishing business.

“We cannot afford this, this is too much. We do not export and we have to sell to middlemen at the prices they give, which is usually $4 to $7 a kilogram,” Mr Prasad said. “We travel to sea and fish for eight to 10 days but that does not mean we get a lot of money. We only go out fishing approximately six months because of the weather. “Now we are being told to pay $3000 to renew our licence? This is too much.”

Mr Koroilavesau replied: “The fees depend on the extent of your commercial fishing business and it varies from $500 to $5000.” As reassurance, the minister said: “The main purpose of the consultation programme was to take in views of the fishermen on the proposals and this will not be implemented without consulting them. “They can still come into submit their views on the issue at our fisheries offices.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Now we are being told to pay $3000 to renew our licence? This is too much Roneel Prasad Fisherman