The Fisheries Ministry is set to enhance its monitoring, compliance, and surveillance efforts in coastal regions to ensure adherence to fisheries laws and regulations. Minister Alitia Bainivalu emphasized the need for continued work in these areas during a recent Parliament session, aiming to effectively manage and develop coastal fisheries resources to meet the daily needs of Fijians.
Bainivalu stated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry is committed to fulfilling its objectives. She pointed out that foundational elements would be established to support projects aimed at sustaining and effectively addressing the challenges posed by depleted fish stocks.
In the current fiscal year, the Ministry plans to bolster coastal fisheries initiatives and expand existing projects and activities to enhance outcomes and overall effectiveness. The coastal development fisheries project includes five key programs, such as initiatives to improve market access for licensed fishers, which involves enhancing value chain processes. Additionally, the project aims to explore pelagic and deep-water snapper fisheries to alleviate fishing pressure on coral reefs and maximize economic benefits for licensed fishers and cooperatives.
Other components of the initiative include scaling up locally managed marine areas through species management, ranching, and cultivation of high-value coastal species like sandfish. The project also focuses on reducing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing through enhanced monitoring, compliance, and surveillance, alongside necessary training and awareness efforts to uplift the value chain and management of coastal fisheries resources.