KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: August 8, 2024 — Governor Stevenson A. Joseph attended the closing day of the 2nd National FSM Fisheries Summit, which was held to discuss and strategize on the sustainable development and management of the FSM’s vital fisheries resources. The summit concluded with a productive group working session and a key presentation on “Approaches to Leveraging the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) for Onshore Investment/Incentivizing Investment,” presented by Dr. Mark Soboil, a consultant for the National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA).
Governor Joseph was joined by notable officials including the Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka; Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA), Mr. Jorg Anson; Senator Tendy Liwy and Pohnpei Port Authority General Manager, Mr. Grilly Jack. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort and commitment to advancing Pohnpei’s and the FSM’s fisheries sector.
The summit’s final day focused on exploring innovative approaches to maximizing the economic benefits of the VDS, a key tool in the management of tuna fisheries in the Pacific. Dr. Soboil’s presentation provided valuable insights into how the VDS can be leveraged to attract onshore investments and incentivize economic growth within the fisheries sector.
Governor Joseph expressed his appreciation for the summit’s efforts and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among state and national stakeholders. The 2nd National FSM Fisheries Summit has set the stage for future initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing the management and economic potential of FSM’s fisheries resources.