The Fisheries Ministry is currently grappling with several challenges, including delays in policy implementation, staffing shortages, and insufficient funding at the regional level. During a review of the Ministry’s annual reports for 2021-2023, Committee Chair Tomasi Tunabuna stressed these issues, which were evident during a nine-day site visit across the Central, Western, and Northern regions, where stakeholders and fishing communities were engaged.
Despite the Ministry receiving praise for its unqualified audits and progress in aquaculture and community-based fisheries management, gaps in data collection and a need for better collaboration with local governance structures were noted. Tunabuna emphasized the importance of strengthening policies and increasing support to ensure a sustainable and adaptive fisheries sector.
These concerns align with earlier findings where the Ministry sought to enhance compliance and monitoring efforts in coastal areas, crucial for meeting the daily needs of Fiji’s population. Minister Alitia Bainivalu has outlined strategic initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development in fisheries, including the ongoing implementation of the National Fisheries Policy and the upcoming Aquaculture Regulations.
In recent months, the Fisheries Ministry also focused on legislative reviews and stakeholder collaboration as pivotal for enhancing resource management and economic opportunities. The proactive measures aim to reinforce sustainability and promote resilience—signaling hope for the future of Fiji’s fisheries and the livelihoods that depend on them.
The emphasis on collaborative efforts underscores the positive potential for addressing these challenges, ensuring that Fiji’s rich natural resources can benefit all citizens while fostering a thriving environment for future generations.
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