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Nena Transmits FSM Proposed Fisheries Policy

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 20, 1997 - On May 8, 1997, before being sworn-in as President, Jacob Nena forwarded to the 10^th FSM Congress Speaker Jack Fritz a draft resolution which he is recommending adoption of as the fisheries policy for the Federated States of Micronesia.

Nena told Fritz that there is need for a FSM Fisheries Policy framework. And the one he is submitting to Congress for its favorable consideration was fully concurred to and endorsed by the First National and State Economic Summits, the National Plan, the World Bank Mission of 1995, and various conferences looking to promote economic development for the country.

Subsequent to the Summits, the National Government in collaboration with the State Governments requested technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank to assist the governments and stakeholders in preparing a Fisheries Policy to be implemented by the Governments and the private sector.

Copies of the two-volume report have been adequately circulated. Subsequently, a Fisheries Policy Summit in December 1996.

There are nine policy recommendations in the final draft report of the Summit. ADB has agreed that other technical assistance would be provided, contingent upon the approval of the Policy, to assist the FSM in the implementation of the recommended Fisheries Policy, Nena said.

Nena told Fritz that without a policy framework it would be difficult to develop fisheries smoothly. The Executive Branch has reviewed the recommended policy framework and request that Congress seriously consider it as the basis for guiding the governments, private sectors, and other stakeholders in developing and managing the fisheries policy more prudently.

The recommended Fisheries Policy, Nena added, is seen as an important integral part of the economic reform process presently undertaken by the Executive Branch and support the ongoing public policy reform activities such as the Foreign Investment Act, Title 24 of the FSM Code.

A similar package will be transmitted to the Governors of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae to facilitate consideration and implementation of the recommended policy at the State level once it has been adopted by the National Government, Nena concluded.