Poroa Arokapiti Cook Islands Fishing Association Fishing for Answers Developing International Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) SPC/FAO Noumea, New Caledonia 12-14 June 2012 Poroa Arokapiti Cook Islands Fishing Association

A bit of Background on the Cook Islands Fishing Association 2010 our Association incorporated Members are: Mangaia Fishing Association, Mauke Island Fishing, Atiu Island Fishing, Mitiaro island Fishing, Aitutaki Fishing, Palmerston Fishing, Penrhyn Fishing, Pukapuka Fishing, Nassau Fishing, Rakahanga Fishing, Manihiki Fishing, Cook Islands Game Fishing Association, Avana Fishing, Tupapa Fishing, Avatiu Fishing Main Aim: to represent our fishers in policy, planning and development forums in the country and regionally.

The Cook Islands Fishing Industry MMR is mandated to look after the interests of our people in relation to all marine resources activities and developments They are guided by the word sustainable. Any programs they develop or manage must be sustainable and beneficial to the Cook Islands people Fishing is the second largest contributor to economic growth in our country after tourism. Average annual contribution about $20m Small fisher and game fishing estimated contribution to country growth (2011) $5.5m

Cont’ Three major fisheries operating in our waters: The longline fisheries. One in the South/mainly from local longliners. Then there is one that is allowed to operate in the North/mainly foreign fishing vessels We have subsistence and artisanal fishing throughout all the islands Exclusive fisheries such as bonefishing, and game fishing in the tourist islands

In recent times Our fishers have been complaining about catch getting less A study was conducted and found that this complaint may be due to two things – foreign boats fishing in our waters…and the weather changes We can’t afford to lose fishing activities for our subsistence and artisanal fishers because (especially for the northern Cooks) this is sometimes their only source of protein

What we want to do Work with MMR to continue deploying FADs throughout our islands for our small fishers Develop a relationship with Government to subsidise fuel to our fishers so that it is not expensive to fish for food Manage the numbers of foreign fishing licenses at a sustainable level and to make sure they are not purse seining Improve the storage of fish in our islands and fishing techniques and activities that add value to the fishing effort Improve the safety of our fishers to avoid loss at sea

What the outcomes of this meeting can help us do? Encourage our Marine Resource agencies to continue to deploy FADs to keep our local fishers fishing close to their homes and safety and to increase catch for home and income Support our effort to seek support for cheaper fuel to our fishers in the islands Encourage your Marine Resource counterparts to make sure they are not giving licenses to purse seine boats Help us with storage of fish and techniques of fishing Help us obtain the proper safety gear for our fishers to avoid loss at sea 7

Meitaki maata On behalf of the President and executive of the Cook Islands Fishing Association I extend my sincere appreciation to SPC for inviting us (me) to attend this important meeting and we pray that our discussion in these days will bear fruit to help our fishers in our islands… KIA ORANA E KIA MANUIA 8