The Fisheries Ministry is set to enhance its efforts in monitoring, compliance, and surveillance in coastal regions to ensure adherence to fisheries laws and regulations.
During a recent session in Parliament, Minister Alitia Bainivalu emphasized the critical work required in coastal areas to effectively manage and develop coastal fisheries resources that cater to the everyday needs of Fijians.
She stated, “The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry remains committed to meeting these expectations.” Bainivalu assured that the Ministry would establish the necessary fundamentals to support these initiatives, ensuring they are sustainable and effective in alleviating the pressure on declining fish stocks.
For the current fiscal year, the Ministry plans to continue bolstering coastal fisheries while expanding existing projects and activities to enhance their outcomes and effectiveness.
The coastal development fisheries project includes five primary work programs. These initiatives feature a pathway to market program that aids licensed fishers in accessing improved market opportunities, enhancing processes within the value chains, and exploring the pelagic and deep-water snapper fisheries to lessen fishing pressure on coral reef areas while maximizing economic benefits for licensed fishers and fishing cooperatives. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on scaling up locally managed marine areas through species management, ranching, and cultivating high-value coastal species such as sandfish. The Ministry also aims to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Fiji’s coastal waters through intensified monitoring, compliance, and surveillance. Training and awareness initiatives will be introduced to enhance the value chain of coastal fisheries resources and improve their management.