Japan to provide Vanuatu with Fisheries Research Vessel
October 20, 2024 10:09 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
Vanuatu is poised to receive a fisheries research vessel from the Japanese Government, which will facilitate surveys of its fisheries resources and marine environment.
In a statement this week, the Oceania Division of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Japan, informed the Daily Post that preparations are underway to officially launch this fisheries research project in collaboration with Vanuatu.
The announcement follows a summit meeting held on July 16, where Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Fumio Kishida and Vanuatu PM Charlot Salwai discussed the deepening of bilateral relations during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10). The meeting, lasting approximately 15 minutes, focused on enhancing the “kizuna,” or bond, between Japan and Pacific Island nations.
On July 13, 2024, 3 days before PALM10, it was reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper that they have been learned that the Japanese government plans to provide one fisheries research vessel free of charge to each of the four Pacific island nations of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
According to the newspaper, the aim of the plan is to help the four island nations carry out surveys on fisheries resources and the marine environment on their own in order to dispel concerns over the discharge of treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
“Because countries such as the United States and France had repeatedly carried out nuclear tests in the Southern Pacific, island nations in the region are sensitive to matters related to nuclear power and have been very wary about the treated water,” the Yomiuri Shimbun news paper reported 3 days before the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting.
“One of the crucial issues for Japan at the meeting is to counter China’s description of the treated water as ‘nuclear contaminated water’, and to convince the Pacific island nations of Japan’s assertions of safety that are based on scientific evidence.”
During the PALM10, PM Fumio emphasised the importance of cooperation aligned with the “2050 Strategy for Blue Pacific Continent,” aiming to communicate a unified direction for Japan and Pacific Island countries both domestically and internationally.
He announced Japan’s decision to provide a fishery research vessel and equipment to support the development of Vanuatu’s fishing industry and address key issues facing the nation.
PM Salwai expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing cooperation and voiced hopes for a successful PALM10. He welcomed Japan’s commitment to ensuring safety regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the ocean, and both leaders exchanged views on various regional issues.
However, it is important to note that this initiative is distinct from the monitoring of the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water, with the diplomatic note expected to be exchanged within a couple of months.
It was also reported by Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper that in addition, Japan plans to provide a patrol boat free of charge to the South Pacific island nation of Nauru to assist the country in cracking down on illegal fishing. Drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other crimes at sea are also reportedly rampant in Nauru’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. Through the provision of a patrol boat, Japan intends to help Nauru boost surveillance and maritime law enforcement capabilities at sea.
This partnership signifies a fundamental step toward bolstering economic development and enhancing the fishing industry in Vanuatu, while also reinforcing Japan’s commitment to collaborating with Pacific Island nations.
