KOROR, Palau – The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Environment (MAFE) is planning a trip to Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, from May 12-18 to meet with Okinawan fishing companies.
In a letter to Senate President Hokkons Baules, Minister Steven Victor requested Senate approval for two Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) members, Palau’s national legislature, to join the delegation. Senators Umiich Sengebau and Salvador Tellames have been invited.
The purpose of the visit is to discuss fisheries management and cooperation. The delegation plans to learn about Okinawan fishing operations and activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Initial consultations are also planned to discuss fishing conditions in Palau for 2025.
The visit will build upon a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Palau and Okinawa to strengthen agriculture, fisheries, environment, and tourism relations.
There is a long history of cooperation between Palau and Okinawa in these sectors. In 2022, MAFE officials visited Okinawa, Okinawan fisheries experts came to Palau, and Palauan fishermen participated in pole-and-line fishing training in Okinawa.
The discussions are also relevant to the continued presence of small-scale Okinawan fishing vessels in Palauan waters following the establishment of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
I’m interested to know the benefit of this official trip to Okinawa. Are we planning to reactivate tuna pole and line fishing again like during Van Camp time? Or are we just wasting government money on government officials touring?