The Ministry of Fisheries, working with regional and international partners, has launched a new programme to accelerate Fiji’s aquaculture sector. The initiative, titled “Supporting Implementation of the Fiji Aquaculture Development Plan 2024–2028,” was officially unveiled in Suva today by Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu, under the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme.
The programme builds on the UN-FAO CanADAPT project, transitioning from planning to hands-on implementation. Its primary aims are to strengthen national food security, reduce dependence on seafood imports, increase export earnings, and promote a sustainable Fiji fisheries brand.
Minister Bainivalu noted that the effort will establish model farms, train trainers, and empower women and youth aquaculture entrepreneurs. The initiative also aligns with Fiji’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The Ministry thanked the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for its ongoing technical support, training, and policy guidance in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices.
This new programme complements Fiji’s broader drive in the sector. It sits alongside the Aquaculture Development Plan for 2024–2028, which was launched in October 2024, and the ongoing policy and legislative work that supports sustainable aquaculture. Fiji’s collaboration with the UN FAO has featured prominently in regional exchanges, including high-level discussions at the Honiara Summit 2025, underscoring the shared commitment to food security, livelihoods, and responsible fisheries management.
Context and potential impact
– The initiative reinforces a practical, on-the-ground approach to Fiji’s Aquaculture Development Plan, with concrete activities like model farms and training that can elevate local capacity.
– By emphasizing women and youth participation, it aims to broaden ownership and opportunity across coastal communities.
– Continued FAO support and regional collaboration are expected to strengthen food security and foster sustainable growth in Fiji’s seafood sector, helping to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.
Summary
Fiji advances its aquaculture agenda through targeted implementation support, linking national strategies with international expertise to boost food security, livelihoods, and sustainable growth, while reinforcing a regional commitment to resilient coastal economies.
Overall tone
The launch signals a positive, forward-looking effort to translate planning into practical outcomes for Fiji’s aquaculture sector, with a clear emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
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