The Fisheries Ministry is committed to enhancing monitoring, compliance, and surveillance in coastal regions to ensure adherence to all fisheries laws and regulations. Minister Alitia Bainivalu emphasized the importance of this effort during a session in Parliament, noting that significant work is required in managing and developing coastal fisheries resources to meet the daily needs of the Fijian population.
“The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry is determined to fulfill its responsibilities,” Bainivalu stated. She mentioned that proper foundations will be established to support ongoing projects, ensuring their sustainability and effectiveness in reducing pressure on dwindling fish stocks.
This fiscal year, the Ministry plans to continue its support for coastal fisheries by expanding existing projects and activities to enhance outcomes and efficiency. The coastal development fisheries initiative encompasses five main programs, including a pathway to market initiative designed to aid licensed fishers in accessing improved markets by streamlining value chain processes. Other components involve exploring pelagic and deep-water snapper fisheries to alleviate fishing pressure on coral reefs while maximizing economic returns for licensed fishers and cooperatives. Additionally, the initiative aims to scale up locally managed marine areas through species management, ranching, and the cultivation of high-value coastal species like sandfish. It will also focus on minimizing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Fiji’s coastal waters through increased monitoring, compliance, and surveillance, alongside training and awareness efforts to enhance the value chain and management of coastal fisheries resources.