Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for the years 2024 to 2028. In his statement, Rabuka emphasized that this policy establishes a strategic framework aimed at overseeing Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic growth, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for various sectors, including:
– Offshore Fisheries: Establishing management plans, revising legislation, supporting industry development, and carrying out strategic research.
– Aquaculture: Encouraging sustainable practices, modernizing legal frameworks, and integrating environmentally friendly methods.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: Emphasizing community-based management, updating legislation, and supporting small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: Focusing on marine spatial planning, enhancing gender and youth participation, implementing environmental policies, and addressing links with tourism.
The Prime Minister noted that this policy is the result of thorough consultations with stakeholders and is in line with national goals and international commitments.