(Solomon Star)
Fisherman and dolphin exporter Robert Satu has signed an agreement with Western Provincial Government allowing him to export fish from the province and supply the Honiara market, reports the Solomon Star.
“My aim is to give money to the grassroots and I am prepared to help our local fishermen get maximum benefit from their catch,” Satu says.
The local fisherman also hopes to secure another license from the provincial government to supply tame dolphins to hotels in Gizo for tourists, and to export live dolphins to Singapore.
Dolphin exporter signs deal with Western Province
Joy A. Rikimae, Solomon Star 19 Feb 08;
LOCAL fisherman and dolphin exporter Robert Satu yesterday signed an agreement with Western Provincial Government allowing him to fish in the province to sell overseas.
Mr Satu said the agreement would also allow him to provide for the market in Honiara City.
Under the arrangement Mr Satu will be fishing and buying fish from locals to sell. “My aim is to give money to the grassroots and I am prepared to help our local fishermen get maximum benefit from their catch,” the local fisherman said.
Mr Satu said he would be buying fish from locals at a good price.
He will be using his boat “Send Grouper” to trade around Western Province.
Mr Satu said the boat, which he bought for AU$98,000 (SB$650,000) will be arriving in Gizo from Brisbane, Australia, next week.
The local fisherman also hoped to get another license from Western Province Government to supply tame dolphins to hotels in Gizo for tourists.
“This is part of attracting tourists to our islands,” Mr Satu said.
Meanwhile, Mr Satu is now looking at exporting live dolphins to Singapore. “I have switched from Dubai because Singapore offers a more attractive package for our market,” Mr Satu said.
He said he now have 18 dolphins ready for export.
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Report of a Fact-finding Visit to the Solomon Islands, 9-12 September 2003 (PDF file)
by Graham Ross1, Frances Gulland1, Nick Gales, Robert Brownell and Randall Reeves
Environmental Concerns Action Network Of Solomon Islands response to the IUCN REPORT
"ECANSI (Environmental Concerns Action Network of Solomon Islands) wishes to place on record the deep concern of this organization over the Report of a Fact-finding visit to the Solomon Islands, 9-12 September, 2003 by Drs Graham Ross and Frances Gulland on behalf of the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group and the IUCN/SSC Veterinary Specialist Group."