Solomons Tuna war intensifies

Press, 29 August 1984, Page 22

Solomons Tuna war intensifies

NZPA-AAP Port Moresby The Solomon Islands fired another salvo in its tuna war with the United States yesterday by strongly hinting it is considering lifting a ban on Soviet ships fishing in its waters. The shot came as the Solomon Islands received written confirmation that the United States had imposed the ban on tuna and tuna products from the former British colony. This follows the Solomon Islands confiscating an American tuna ship the Jeanette Diana for illegally fishing within its 200-mile economic zone. The United States does not recognise economic zones when it comes to migratory tuna. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Port Moresby said it had been approached earlier this year by the Soviet Union about a licence to fish in the Solomon Islands.

“In the light of Solomon Islands policy banning Soviet vessels from Solomon Islands ports the Government was reluctant to consider Russian approaches,” a Ministry statement said. “But now the Solomon Islands has a changed situation as regards fisheries.” The United States trade embargo cuts out the majority of the Solomon Islands tuna export revenue. In the first six months of this year 58 per cent, or $(Solomon Island) 5.7 million of Solomon Island tuna went to the United States. Fish products account for nearly 40 per cent of Solomon Islands export revenue. If the Honiara Government is to remain firm on its stand against the United States it must find other markets. The Foreign Ministry statement also announced the freezing of the issue of fishing licences to United States ships.

Any United States fishing boat either owned, registered or under the command of an American citizen, is banned from Solomon Islands waters. The restrictions will remain in place until such time as the United States lifts the trade embargo, imposed under the Magnusson Act which provides for automatic sanctions if an American fishing vessel is impounded. The Jeanette Diana, arrested at gunpoint on June 28, is being advertised for sale. The Honiara Government had offered to sell it back to the owners for $(Solomon Islands) 3 million. The United States Em-“ bassy in Port Moresby, ~ which is accredited to the;Solomon Islands, had no* comment yesterday but saidit was closely watching de-” velopments. - The Solomon Islands, an; island chain of about 220,000 people, became independent* from Britain in 1976. „