PUBLIC consultations on the regularisation of goodwill payments to customary fishing rights owners will resume in the Western Division today, starting in Sigatoka.

The consultation in the region is expected to attract fishing rights owners and fishermen to the discussions since Government’s decision earlier this year to put a stop of goodwill payments.

In a statement, the Ministry of Fisheries confirmed fisheries officers would cover areas from Sigatoka to Ra during the three-day consultation on the issuance of inshore fisheries licence.

“The team will be conducting consultations with members of the public on regularising of goodwill payment through, licensing and permitting procedures, introduction of the four-tier access fee arrangements and its implementation mechanism,” the statement stated.

The consultations will begin at the Yavulo Village hall in Cuvu, at 11am and then move to the Lomawai Village hall in Raviravi at 3pm.

Tomorrow, fisheries officers will be in Lautoka at the Sugar Cane Growers Council hall at 11am before moving to Nailaga Village, Ba at 3pm.

The final consultation will be held on Friday at the Ra Provincial Council office in Nukuloa Village, Ra, starting at 11am.