French Polynesia and France have agreed to set up a joint commission on maritime matters.
A convention to that effect has been signed in Papeete by the French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch and the French High Commissioner Rene Bidal.
Fakarava Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The commission is to have four working groups, with each dealing with separate aspects related to French Polynesia's exclusive economic zone.
The groups, which will be open to civil society, will deal with surveillance of fisheries, the protection of the marine environment, shipping safety and the study of the sea floor.
The announcement comes amid a debate over alleged illegal fishing, with posts on social media of fish aggregating devices washing up on beaches.
However, there have been few reported breaches of fishing restrictions and France has said it has good control over the zone under its surveillance.
Accusations directed at Chinese fleets have been rebuffed by China's consul in Tahiti who said its boats comply with international regulations.
French Polynesia's president Edouard Fritch (centre) and president of French Polynesia's assembly Gaston Tong Sang Photo: supplied
