Transshipment in Kosrae Takes Shape

On the morning of November 23, 2015, activity and work sparked the Kosrae port with the revamped transshipment facility being operated by Luen Thai Fishing Venture (LTFV).  Chief of Research Mr. Naiten Bradley Phillip Jr. and Port Sampler Mr. Truman Jano from the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) was on hand to monitor and train Kosraen based fisheries observers on port sampling duties.  NORMA port sampling monitors the vessels catch and verifies what is unloaded. Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) oceanic division scientist collects the data, to provide analysis of catch reports for NORMA to manage its marine resources effectively to achieve economic-growth for the Nation.

This has been the first transshipment in Kosrae after the last operation took place more than ten years ago in the state. A total of 15 long-line vessels with over five hundred tons of catch were scheduled to unload to freezer containers stockpiled in port, ready to take on frozen tuna and other tuna like species.  The unloading from frozen long-line operations is a relatively new development in Kosrae that fueled jobs for over 30 Kosrean families contributing additional revenue to the Kosrae businesses and local communities. 
The state of Kosrae is showing positive results for future transshipment operations with the locally trained staff on site. NORMA Executive Director Pangelinan stated that this is a welcome to restart our long-line operations in FSM ports and Pohnpei and Kosrae are just the beginning.  While Luen Thai Fishing Ventures is looking to expand its operations to the states of Chuuk and Yap, the facilities require huge investments which is subject for much discussions among FSM and State Leaders. While NORMA will take steps to ensure proper monitoring measures are in place in Kosrae, other activities in the state includes ship repair that are also part of the Kosrae development program by LTFV.