SYDNEY, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The fisheries minister of Kiribati has appealed to the international fishing community for better access to fish stocks in the high seas in a bid to ensure sustainable development in the industry.
"We in Kiribati have no land-based natural resources available as a means of stable and secure livelihood for our people as our lands are made of poor coralline soils thus prompting Kiribati to look elsewhere for a sustainable source of revenue," the Pacific Islands News Association quoted Minister Tetabo Nakara as saying.
Nakara, who was speaking during the weekend at the 14th regular session of the Western Central Pacific Commission, stressed the importance of fishing on the high seas for his country's economy.
He also highlighted the economic impact of an annual three-month restriction on devices used to attract fish stocks.
Tuna fishing contributes significantly to Kiribati's annual government revenue "that supports, amongst others, crucial funding for our education system, medical care, other basic needs that the government is obligated to deliver as services to its 110,000 inhabitants", he said.
