Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Workshop on Vessel Monitoring System in Nadi, Fiji

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 16, 1997 - The Director of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Victorio Uherbelau announced in a September 1, 1997, letter to the FSM Department of External Affairs that the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and Legal Programs are proposing a workshop on the legal aspects of the vessel monitoring system (VMS). The workshop will be held at the Mocambo Hotel, Nadi, Fiji, from September 22nd to the 26th and invited participants from member countries including the FSM.

Funding is available to support the participation at the workshop of 12 MCS and legal personnel from member FFA countries. The FFA considers that the Chief of National Police Mr. Lester Ruda, would make a very positive contribution to the workshop as an MCS participant, Uherbelau says, adding that he looks forward for an official endorsement of Ruda's participation.

The provisional agenda include introduction to technical aspects of the VMS; international law frameworks of VMS; review of domestic legislation; examination of legal options for VMS introduction; content of VMS legislation; evidentiary issues; penalties intellectual property and confidentiality issues; among others.