Nam fishing rights prove popular

AS the custodian of the country?s marine wealth, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said they have received an overwhelming response from the public in respect of their invitation to apply for new fishing rights. In a media statement by the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary said that the overall interest showed is much higher compared to the previous call for applications in 1999.

?A large number of applications were received for the fishing of hake, horse mackerel, monk and large pelagic, while fewer responses were received for other fish,? she said. Ms. Hiveluah said that due to the overwhelming response, the process of evaluation is taking much longer than anticipated. ?The evaluation process started late last year, but is expected to be completed soon,? she said. She said that the Ministry will inform the public when the Evaluation Report is officially handed over to the Minister by the Evaluation Committee.