Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for 2024-2028. In his statement, Rabuka highlighted that the policy aims to provide a strategic framework for the management of Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with an emphasis on sustainability, economic development, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for different sectors, which include:
– Offshore Fisheries: Developing management plans, updating legislation, supporting industry growth, and conducting strategic research.
– Aquaculture: Promoting sustainable practices, modernizing legislation, and adopting environmentally friendly methods.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: Focusing on community-based management, updating legislation, and supporting small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: Addressing marine spatial management, promoting gender and youth involvement, implementing environmental policies, and acknowledging the connection with tourism.
Rabuka noted that the policy was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and is in line with both national goals and international obligations.