The Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for the years 2024 to 2028. This policy offers a strategic approach to managing Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, emphasizing sustainability, economic development, and food security.
Key strategies outlined in the policy for various sectors include:
– Offshore Fisheries: The development of management plans, updating of legislation, supporting industry expansion, and conducting targeted research.
– Aquaculture: The promotion of sustainable practices, modernization of legislation, and the adoption of environmentally conscious methods.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: Emphasizing community-based management, legislative updates, and support for small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: Focusing on marine spatial management, involvement of gender and youth, environmental policies, and the relationship with tourism.
This policy is the culmination of thorough consultations with stakeholders and is designed to align with both national goals and international obligations.