Pacific Islands marine resources (879-0020)

RDO/SP will manage the project, which will essentially provide TA and commodities and will be implemented mainly through bilateral agreements with Tonga, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. (1) In Tonga, the project will expand an A.I.D.-funded exploratory tuna fishing program by providing TA and fishing vessels/gear to help adapt small-scale tuna longlining techniques for use on small fishing vessels. (2) In the Cook Islands, the project will expand an A.I.D.-funded experimental pearl oyster culture operation. TA and equipment will be provided for a research, training, and extension facility to help establish a black pearl industry. (3) Long- and short-term TA and training will help develop village-level, small-scale fishing industries and promote marketing capacity in the towns of Lae, Medang, and Rabau in Papua New Guinea. (4) In Kiribati, short-term TA will help assess marine stocks, create resource management programs, and measure the impact of land-based development on Tarawa atoll"s lagoon ecosystem. (5) In Tuvalu, the project will furnish long- and short-term TA to study offshore bottomfish resources and undertake an exploratory fishing/marketing program, as well as short-term TA, equipment, and training for fishing operators and boatbuilding operations. (6) A final project component will spread the impact of the five bilateral projects throughout the region via workshops, short-term TA, training visits, publications, and experimental programs. Amendment of 9/20/91 adds a component to improve the private fishing sector in Fiji. There will be three activities: construction of a jetty extension and auxiliary facilities at Lami, in the Suva area, to provide berthing for commercial fishing vessels; familiarization tours to promote linkages with U.S. fishing gear suppliers and U.S. markets; and TA to initiate privatization and other policy changes. Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific will implement these activities. The amendment also expands the project"s regional component by providing funding for the South Pacific Commission"s Tuna and Billfish Assessment Program (previously supported under 8790009), the technical basis for regional and national management of pelagic fish resources in the South Pacific. (PD-ABH-352)