The Department of Fisheries and Forest has frozen the payment of good-will to Customary Fishing Right Owners (CFRO’s).
Minister for Fisheries and Forest Osea Naiqamu has abolished all Good-will payments or fishing levies which are usually paid to resources user right owners.
” I, Osea Naiqamu as a Minister for Fisheries and Forest, hereby declare that all Goodwill’ payments or fishing levies which are often paid to resource user right owners are to be abolished in all divisions for 2016, and this directive and policy shall come into effect immediately from today Wednesday, the 20th of January, 2016. The decision to abolish all good-will fee payments or fishing license before obtaining Written Consent from the I-Qoliqoli Resources User Right is illegal.”
Previously fishermen would pay levies to I-Qoliqoli owners then to the Provincial Offices.
They would than apply for permits at the commissioner’s office then an official license at the fisheries department.
As from today, fishermen will apply directly for a license at the fisheries department.
The ministry will undertake a country- wide consultation and awareness Programme with relevant stakeholders
FBC