Kiribati enforces $5m fine
12.08.2010
In an effort to combat illegal fishing and poachers around the Phoenix Islands Marine Protected Area (PIPA) in Kiritbati,
the government has imposed a $5 million fine on those caught in the act.
Kiribati president Anote Tong made the comment on Monday at a press conference to announce PIPA's listing as a World Heritage Site.
"It's got to be realised that Phoenix Islands are quite isolated. This is one of the reasons why it has maintained that standard of pristine nature," he said.
"What we (government) has done is closed-off the area so there is no fishing or commercial activity.
"It will remain closed now and in the future. We have had poachers in the past and there have been illegal fishing activities.
"We have caught them and fined them $5m. The long liners and illegal fishermen do go there and this is one of the challenges we would have to deal with."
Kiribati (2) -- Analyses -- 2010
PIPA could open doors to tourism development in Kiribati
12.08.2010
Meanwhile, Mr Tong said Kiribati had a huge Exclusive Economic Zone.
He said the declaration of PIPA as a protected area was part of the country's statement to the international community that they had made sacrifices.
"Provided you have the will and commitment. Indeed, it will impinge on the ability to generate revenue because closing it off will impact on
our revenue from fishing licences," he said.
"We have made that sacrifice in the belief and hope that other countries can do the same in respect to climate change.
"There is a very hard and long debate on climate change and hopefully this is a demonstration of what can and could be done."
Mr Tong said the declaration of PIPA as a World Heritage Site could open doors to tourism development in Kiribati.
He said the biggest challenge when the site was considered for listing was the government's ability to manage it.
Bulgarian