On the nature of International Aid – Vanuatu II

In the course of trying to get on-line data for this post, I unearthed this particular page which gives a good concise description of international aid definition.





One of the hot street topics (otherwise known as “talk to the taxi drivers”) in Vila was the “fish famine”, in particular the deep sea species. Principal cause (at least as perceived) of the famine tracks back some four years.

In 2000, a fairly severe hurricane struck the northern islands. The damage was generally “no more than usual”. On the main island of Efate the “ring road” was broken in two places and two bridges were washed out. This ring road is important for the locals, but particularly so for the tourist industry.

The Japanese very generously offered to chip in some USD2.5 million to effect repairs. There was, however, an expected quid pro quo. That was signed up in 2001. There was literally a hook in the agreement.

The Japanese, and registered contractors, were given an unlimited catch, unlimited time, right to long-line fish Vanuatu waters. Eighteen months later the Vanuatu government was expressing concern. Early this year the commercial fishing of Vanuatu waters was closed. Totally.

Try going for the sport fishing – both the Tanna and Ambrym grounds are closed. In Tanna that also includes closure of what in NZ would be called the “customary fishing”. The Tannese administration (as far as I could gather, a kind of Council of Chiefs) had closed ALL fishing some three months back in the hope that there would be some preservation of existing stocks and eventual recovery. How long will that take? Any guesses under a year?

Sport fishing is now limited to two day plus cruise charters. Most of the fishing time is outside of twelve miles. Compare that with eleven years back; cruising the outer Vila Harbour to pick up wahoo and skipjack with the occasional small marlin.

There are no tuna left, even skipjack is a comparative rarity, around Vanuatu. The ubiquitous poulet fish (a bream) is scarce. A serving of fish in the top restaurants is now about 150 grams or 5 ozs. Instead of the dominant restaurant main course selections being fish, Santo beef now figures prominently (and I can highly recommend it too).

Quite a good deal, as far as “aid” is concerned, but only for the donor.