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 offers a strategic framework for overseeing Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with an emphasis on sustainability, economic growth, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for various sectors, including:
– Offshore Fisheries: The plan involves developing management frameworks, revising legislation, fostering industry growth, and conducting targeted research.
– Aquaculture: The focus here is on promoting sustainable practices, modernizing laws, and implementing eco-friendly methods.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: This sector will concentrate on community-driven management, legislative updates, and support for small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: The policy aims to tackle marine spatial management, enhance gender and youth participation, align with environmental policies, and consider the links with tourism.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the policy is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders and aligns with both national goals and international obligations.