Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for the years 2024 to 2028. In a statement, Rabuka highlighted that the policy establishes a strategic framework aimed at effectively managing Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic growth, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for various sectors, which include:
– Offshore Fisheries: Developing management plans, updating relevant legislation, fostering industry growth, and conducting targeted research.
– Aquaculture: Encouraging sustainable practices, modernizing existing legislation, and implementing environmentally friendly approaches.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: Emphasizing community-based management, updating legislation, and providing support for small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: Tackling marine spatial management, enhancing gender and youth participation, addressing environmental policies, and evaluating the relationship with tourism.
The Prime Minister noted that the formulation of the policy involved comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and is designed to align with both national objectives and international commitments.