The Fisheries Ministry is committed to enhancing monitoring, compliance, and surveillance in coastal regions to ensure adherence to fisheries laws and regulations. Minister Alitia Bainivalu emphasized in Parliament that significant efforts are required in coastal areas to effectively manage and develop fisheries resources to satisfy the daily needs of the Fijian population.
Bainivalu reaffirmed the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry’s dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities. She stated that the Ministry will establish the necessary foundations to support projects aimed at sustaining the health of fish stocks and relieving the pressure on dwindling resources.
During this fiscal year, the Ministry plans to bolster coastal fisheries support and expand existing initiatives to enhance their effectiveness. The coastal development fisheries project features five key programs, including a pathway to market initiative that offers crucial assistance to licensed fishers in accessing improved market opportunities. This involves refining processes along the value chain, exploring pelagic and deep-water snapper fisheries to alleviate fishing pressure on coral reefs, and maximizing economic returns for licensed fishers and cooperatives.
Additionally, the project aims to scale up locally managed marine areas through species management and the ranching and cultivation of high-value coastal species like sandfish. Efforts will also be made to minimize illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Fiji’s coastal waters through enhanced monitoring and training. These initiatives are critical for strengthening the resource value chain and managing coastal fisheries effectively.