A new bill currently under consideration in the Fijian Parliament aims to enhance the powers of fisheries officers in the fight against illegal fishing practices. The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced yesterday, proposes significant updates to the Fisheries Act, with the intention of strengthening enforcement and compliance mechanisms within the nation’s fisheries sector.
The proposed amendments would empower authorized officials—comprising fisheries officers, police, and customs officers—with broader powers to inspect fishing activities. This includes the authority to require anyone involved in fishing to present their licenses, gear, and catch. Moreover, these officers would have the right to board vessels suspected of illegal activities and detain both individuals and their equipment without a warrant.
In particular, the bill outlines that detained vessels and fishing equipment can be held while legal proceedings are ongoing. Additionally, the Permanent Secretary for Fisheries would be authorized to release detained items upon the payment of a bond or fixed penalty. Individuals who obstruct officers during their duties could be fined up to $20,000, while companies could face penalties of up to $50,000.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill will be debated in Parliament today, highlighting the government’s urgency to tackle ongoing illegal fishing challenges that threaten marine ecosystems. This legislative push aligns with Fiji’s broader strategy to improve regulatory frameworks across its fisheries and aquaculture sectors, following a series of initiatives aimed at sustainable management of marine resources.
Recent years have seen Fiji taking proactive measures against illegal fishing, including the establishment of a National Fisheries Surveillance and Operations Centre, which utilizes advanced technology for real-time tracking of fishing vessels. This surveillance capability, alongside policies like the National Offshore Fisheries Crew Policy, has significantly advanced the country’s maritime law enforcement.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, has emphasized the critical nature of these legislative developments, positioning them as necessary steps towards sustainable fisheries management, protecting marine biodiversity, and supporting local economies. As discussions continue on the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, Fiji’s commitment to fostering a resilient and environmentally conscious fishing industry is clear, heralding a hopeful future for its coastal communities and marine resources.
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