Temotu provincial government clarifies licensed fishing vessel operation
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Temotu Provincial Government has confirmed that the Vietnamese fishing vessel recently sighted near Reef Island is operating under a licensed agreement, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the province.
This clarification comes in response to concerns raised on social media earlier last week, where the vessel was suspected of being involved in illicit activities, with the public calling for clarifications from relevant authorities.
The provincial government, which initiated the operation, explained that the MOU was developed to benefit the people and resources of Temotu Province.
The primary aim of the agreement is to strengthen the province’s revenue base while ensuring sustainable resource management.
And to keep the public informed, the provincial government is conducting an awareness campaign to educate local communities about the initiative.
In an exclusive interview on Saturday, January 10, 2025, Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua acknowledged that the provincial government had failed to properly inform the public about the operation beforehand.
He attributed this oversight to the busy festive season, but emphasized that consultations with communities are now underway.
Tehiahua outlined the culmination of the agreement, explaining that in September 2025, the Huang Kim Vietnam Pacific Limited Company applied for a business license to harvest bech-de-mer (sea cucumber) in Temotu’s waters.
After reviewing the application, he said the provincial government developed an MOU with conditions to guide the company’s operations.
Premier Tehiahua said the MOU was officially signed in December 2025, and the company was granted a six-month trial period to operate.
Adding that after the trial period, the provincial government will assess the operation and decide its future course.
He said under the terms of the 12-month license, the company is authorized to harvest bech-de-mer in provincial waters, excluding marine protected areas.
Tehiahua clarified that only four species of bech-de-mer are allowed for harvest: White Teeth, Black Teeth, Pineapple, and Tiger bech-de-mer.
Furthermore, the company is only permitted to harvest the largest specimens, particularly in areas where locals are unable to access them.
On the financial aspect, the premier stated that the province will receive a 5 percent share of the revenue generated from the operation. Additionally, the company has pledged an extra 2 percent for communities that assist with the operation.
He also highlighted that the MOU also includes provisions for further marine development, including support for local communities to engage in bech-de-mer and seaweed farming.
And in the long term, the premier said the province and the company plan to explore opportunities in reef fish filleting for export.
As part of the initiative, the premier’s team is currently visiting the outliers of Reef Islands to consult communities on the initiative.
They also plan to visit the outer islands of the province, including Tikopia and as far as Anuta, in coming weeks to raise awareness about the fishing operation.
Photo credit: VBTC
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