A delegate from the Federated States of Micronesia at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency or FFA meeting underway in Honiara says his country is doing its best to monitor illegal fishing despite a lack of resources and capability
Pius Chopailug is the chairman of the FFA's working group on the the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance, or MCS, strategy which is being developed as a way for the region to better respond to illegal fishing.
He says FFA members are currently assessing the capability of member countries to monitor and manage fishing in the region.
Mr Chopailug says the FSM, like many pacific islands, still lack the overall required capability.
"Well, we're trying our best to monitor our waters. We have our own limitations. We have three patrol boats, we do not have aircraft but we're dealing with it the best we can. We're also mindful of the industry, of the economic benefits that we receive."
Pius Chopailug.
