The Parliament has ratified the Aquaculture Bill 2024, establishing a comprehensive framework aimed at the sustainable regulation and support of Fiji’s aquaculture industry. Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, emphasized that this legislation will foster sustainability, biosecurity, and responsible resource management within the sector.
Bainivalu remarked that the Aquaculture Act 2024 provides guidelines for creating designated zones for both marine and freshwater aquaculture activities, ensuring that these pursuits do not harm the environment. She expressed optimism about the Act’s role in protecting Fiji’s diverse ecosystems while concurrently propelling economic growth across communities.
The Minister highlighted the crucial moment this represents in the larger context of global food production, with a rising demand for seafood that aquaculture can help meet sustainably, thereby alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks. She pointed out that the Act categorizes licenses into commercial, semi-commercial, and subsistence, thereby ensuring that aquaculture entities are properly registered and comply with biosecurity standards.
Through this licensing framework, aquaculture businesses will achieve legal recognition, enabling them to access various forms of financial support, such as loans and grants, which will further promote sector growth and innovation. Additionally, the legislation empowers local communities to better utilize their lands for aquaculture, especially in regions suffering from saltwater intrusion where traditional agriculture has become unworkable.
Minister Bainivalu noted that the government allocates significant annual funding to support various aquaculture initiatives, including pearl farming and seaweed projects, alongside the establishment and upkeep of aquaculture hatcheries. This ongoing investment underscores the government’s dedication to fostering the sector, but she emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to ensure sustainability and long-term success.
In summary, the Aquaculture Bill 2024 represents a pivotal step forward for Fiji’s aquaculture industry, promoting sustainable practices and community empowerment while addressing the increasing global demand for seafood. This proactive legislative approach not only safeguards the environment but also opens avenues for economic development and sustainable food production. With committed support from the government, the future of Fiji’s aquaculture industry looks promising and ripe with potential.
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