Fiji’s Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu recently reported that ongoing management talks aimed at regulating the harvest levels of South Pacific Albacore will enhance control over fishing fleets in the region. During a parliamentary session, she emphasized that these measures will help maintain healthy fish stocks for current and future generations. “This is a new dawn for the management of our shared South Pacific Albacore stock,” Bainivalu noted, reflecting on the significant strategic progress made by the Coalition Government.
This agreement, celebrated at the 24th Regional Forum Fisheries Ministers Meeting held in Niue from July 22 to 24, marks a historic consensus after nearly two decades of scientific discussions and negotiations. The proportional allocation endorsed for South Pacific Albacore by all members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is a pivotal step towards sustainable management of tuna stocks.
Bainivalu pointed out the importance of the agreement not only for ecological balance but also for economic stability, as the albacore tuna fishery is critical for the livelihoods of Fijians and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. The government plans to shift Fiji from being a raw exporter to a regional hub for high-value tuna processing, particularly targeting markets in Japan and the United States.
In conjunction with this agreement, the Fijian government has earmarked $24.9 million (approximately US$12.45 million) for the 2025-2026 budget to bolster the fisheries sector, addressing operational improvements like ocean surveillance and cold storage capacity. These enhancements are expected to maintain competitiveness and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry.
Bainivalu expressed optimism, stating that these robust decisions represent a commitment to preserving vital ocean resources, which are crucial for the fishing communities that depend on them. This renewed focus on sustainable practices signals hope for both the conservation of marine ecosystems and the resilience of local economies.
In summary, Fiji’s proactive stance on sustainable fisheries management through regional cooperation and investment reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and economic growth, promising a resilient future for its fishing communities.
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