The decision by the nations that make up the Parties to the Nauru Agreement to demand more money from the United States to fish in their waters is being seen as the PNA standing up to take its share of the fishing industry's profits.
Photo: RNZ
The eight nations have agreed to raise the fees they charge purse seiner tuna boats by 33 percent, in an attempt to raise over 370 million dollars, as well as issuing a strongly-worded communiqué.
Our correspondent in Majuro, Giff Johnson, says PNA nations control over half the world's skipjack tuna supply and will have significant leverage to get what they want.
"For 50 years distant water fishing countries have ruled the Pacific and have taken huge profit out of the area, and the PNA is just trying to turn the tables and say 'it's time for the islands to be in control'. So if fishing companies want to fish, they just have to pay what the PNA calls for."
Our correspondent in the Marshall Islands, Giff Johnson.
