QOLIQOLI owners in Cakaudrove have been urged to have thorough discussions with villagers before permitting foreign fishing companies to fish within their marine boundaries.
The advice follows concerns raised by some villagers in the province about how their chief failed to inform them that a company had operated in the area for sea slugs and fish.
"It's important that the i-Qoliqoli owners and the villagers have a mutual understanding on their marine resources so it doesn't stir up misunderstanding," said roko tui Cakaudrove Ro Aca Mataitini.
"We received a report last week where the villagers were not happy about the arrangement made with a company to operate in the area and they claimed their chief personally benefited from the arrangement. "There is also a need to consult relevant stakeholders like the provincial council office and the Fisheries Department to keep them updated of the situation on the ground."
Ro Aca said a village meeting was held to allow reconciliation between the villagers and their chief. "Everything is now under control but we have reminded them to always consult one another so they know what's happening in their area," he added.