The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is facing mounting criticism for its inconsistent enforcement of poultry import regulations affecting foreign yachts. Viki Moore, managing director of Island Cruising, highlighted concerns that some sailors have had their chicken products confiscated while others have been permitted to keep theirs, leading to confusion within the yachting community.
Moore expressed her frustration over the lack of clear guidelines, asking why the rules appear to change from one sailor to another. One sailor recounted that over $300 worth of chicken was seized at Vuda, despite having checked the BAF website and finding no indication that New Zealand chicken was prohibited. Another sailor shared a contrasting experience, where all their chicken and even honey were allowed into Savusavu as long as they remained on the vessel.
Port Denarau Marina’s CEO Cynthia Rasch emphasized the impact that these inconsistencies have on sailors who plan their provisioning carefully before arriving in Fiji. She noted that clearer communication from BAF would significantly enhance the experience for arriving yachties, while still upholding Fiji’s vital biosecurity efforts.
In response to these concerns, BAF acting CEO Surend Pratap explained that the importation of poultry products from New Zealand is permitted under strict conditions due to biosecurity risks, particularly following an H7N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in New Zealand. BAF has implemented stringent measures, including temporarily halting personal imports of chicken without documentation while allowing those accompanied by a veterinary health certificate.
This situation draws parallels to BAF’s recent suspension of fresh produce imports, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s agricultural integrity and public health. The organization’s proactive actions aim to address potential biosecurity threats and improve the overall management of agricultural and environmental governance in Fiji.
The uncertainty around poultry imports underscores the ongoing need for better collaboration and clearer guidelines within Fiji’s biosecurity framework. By striving for consistency and transparency, there is optimism that foreign sailors will have clearer expectations upon arrival, ultimately supporting the nation’s agricultural resilience and biosecurity integrity.
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