The Ministry of Fisheries has launched the Coastal Fisheries Program to address the challenges faced by coastal fisheries resources. During a parliamentary session, Minister Alitia Bainivalu outlined the program’s goals.
The initiative aims to improve food security, maximize sustainable economic returns, and enhance the management and conservation of coastal fisheries. Minister Bainivalu highlighted the pressures on these resources, which are threatened by high fishing pressure, increased coastal development, sedimentation, and pollution.
She noted that the estimated annual production of coastal commercial and subsistence fisheries is approximately 30,700 tonnes. However, this figure is complicated by numerous landing sites and the 850 coastal communities dependent on these resources.
The program intends to combat overfishing in coral reef areas, bolster food security for coastal and maritime communities, and enhance fisheries management. In the previous year, the ministry issued 2,816 inshore and 27 deep-water snapper fishing licenses to support livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.
Minister Bainivalu emphasized the importance of providing Fijians with access to nutritious food and safe protein sources. To facilitate this, the ministry offers ice services through 24 fisheries service centers nationwide, along with training for licensed fishers and cooperatives on post-harvest practices and ice use to maintain seafood quality.
Furthermore, 30 fishing cooperatives have been registered and equipped with training and tools to support their development. The primary aim of these efforts is to create investment opportunities and financial stability for fishers, maximizing their economic returns and ensuring access to assistance from the government or financial agencies.