<B>You are the representative of the two Japanese fishing vessels inspected, boarded and brought to Reunion Island by the French navy for court action. What is your feeling about this incident?</B>

It was a big surprise for us. We had a valid fishing licence issued by the government of Mauritius and a map accompanying this licence clearly indicates that the waters around Tromelin Island form part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Mauritius and that we are licensed to fish in these waters. The day before we were inspected and boarded, a French army plane flew over the two vessels. The two captains did not move away because they believed that they were in the Mauritian EEZ.

<B> After the incident, has the government of Mauritius instructed you to warn all Japanese vessels you represent to keep away from that zone?</B>

No. But I took it upon myself to ask all the vessels I represent to keep away from that zone. Being inspected and brought to Reunion Island for trial has cost us a lot of money and is a big financial burden for us. The authorities in Reunion confiscated the catches of the two vessels, even catches made outside the disputed zone. They confiscated our baits. We had to buy our catches and our baits back and pay port duties before leaving. They are now claiming compensation for Reunion Island fishermen and the prosecutor has asked the judge for a fine of 200 000 euros for the two vessels. The judge will decide on 2nd November. When you add all this to what we have paid in terms of lawyers etc, it will amount to 500 000 euros at the end of the day.

<B>Are you gong to claim compensation from the government of Mauritius?</B>

This is a very delicate matter. The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations of Japan, which I represent, will not be pressing for compensation, but I have been instructed to negotiate with the government of Mauritius to see how our financial burden can be alleviated. But I must tell you that your government has been very cooperative so far and has lent a sympathetic ear to our problem.

<B>Is there any particular reason why you do not want to press for compensation or damages?</B>

Japan has very good relations with the government of Mauritius especially in the field of fisheries. Our government has cooperated with you in the construction of the Fisheries Research Center, the Fishing Port, and the Fisheries Training and Extension Center which recently opened in Pointe Aux Sables. We would like to settle things amicably and smoothly. Of course we expect a certain compensation within the capacity of the government of Mauritius”

<B> What is the price you pay for a fishing licence?</B>

It is 24 000 US dollars per year per vessel.