Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Workshop on Vessel Monitoring System in Nadi, Fiji

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 16,
1997 – The Director of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Victorio
Uherbelau announced in a September 1, 1997, letter to the FSM
Department of External Affairs that the Monitoring, Control and
Surveillance (MCS) and Legal Programs are proposing a workshop on the
legal aspects of the vessel monitoring system (VMS). The workshop
will be held at the Mocambo Hotel, Nadi, Fiji, from September 22nd
to the 26th and invited participants from member countries
including the FSM.

Funding is available to support the participation at the workshop
of 12 MCS and legal personnel from member FFA countries. The FFA
considers that the Chief of National Police Mr. Lester Ruda, would
make a very positive contribution to the workshop as an MCS
participant, Uherbelau says, adding that he looks forward for an
official endorsement of Ruda’s participation.

The provisional agenda include introduction to technical aspects
of the VMS; international law frameworks of VMS; review of domestic
legislation; examination of legal options for VMS introduction;
content of VMS legislation; evidentiary issues; penalties
intellectual property and confidentiality issues; among others.