The Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for the years 2024 to 2028. This policy establishes a strategic framework to oversee Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, emphasizing sustainability, economic development, and ensuring food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies tailored to various sectors:
– For Offshore Fisheries: the focus will be on developing management plans, updating relevant legislation, supporting industry growth, and conducting strategic research.
– In Aquaculture: the aim is to promote sustainable practices, modernize existing laws, and implement environmentally friendly approaches.
– Regarding Coastal and Inland Fisheries: the strategy will concentrate on community-based management, revising legislation, and supporting small-scale fisheries.
– On Cross-Sectoral Issues: the policy will tackle marine spatial management, encourage the involvement of gender and youth, enforce environmental regulations, and address the relationship with tourism.
This policy comes after comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and is designed to align with both national objectives and international commitments.