Fiji’s commitment to combating illegal fishing has been significantly bolstered by the recent inauguration of its National Fisheries Surveillance and Operations Centre. This centre, a first for the nation, utilizes state-of-the-art vessel monitoring technology and satellite systems to provide real-time tracking of fishing vessels across the region, which is crucial for the protection of Fiji’s marine ecosystems and tuna stocks.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, highlighted the transformative potential of this facility during its launch. She noted that the integration of cutting-edge technology marks a pivotal advancement in managing Fiji’s tuna fisheries effectively. The surveillance centre, developed with the support of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership, aims to revolutionize monitoring practices across the Western and Central Pacific Ocean as well as within Fiji’s waters.
In addition to the new surveillance capabilities, the Ministry has introduced the National Offshore Fisheries Crew Policy. This policy is aimed at safeguarding the rights of Fijian crew members employed on both foreign and domestic vessels, addressing longstanding issues related to unfair treatment and poor working conditions. Minister Bainivalu emphasized the necessity of ensuring that every Fijian involved in fishing activities is respected and treated fairly, aligning vessel practices with national labor laws and international obligations.
Opposition MP and former Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau, acknowledged these developments as overdue, stressing that illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing concerns extend to both licensed and unlicensed vessels operating within Fiji. The recognition that local vessels also participate in illegal activities highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive surveillance and regulation.
The launch of the surveillance centre and the new crew policy signals a concerted effort from both sides of Parliament to embrace modern technology and ethical labor practices in the fisheries sector. As the ocean is vital for livelihood and cultural identity, this initiative aims to foster a sustainable and equitable fishing industry in Fiji.
With ongoing collaborations and the implementation of effective policies, there is a promising outlook for Fiji’s fishing sector. The integration of advanced technology with fair labor practices holds the potential to create a resilient and thriving maritime industry that can meet the challenges of the future while supporting its local communities.
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