Fiji’s Moturiki Island Takes a Sustainable Dive into Fisheries Management

The Ministry of Fisheries in Fiji, in collaboration with JICA Fiji, the University of the South Pacific (USP), and the Moturiki community, has unveiled the Moturiki Fisheries Management Plan aimed at addressing pressing concerns like overfishing and the erosion of traditional fishing practices. This initiative focuses on the sustainable management of coastal fisheries in the Moturiki region.

At the official launch event held last Friday in Niubasaga village, Acting Director of Fisheries, Nanise Kuridrani, highlighted the crucial role of Moturiki Island’s Customary Fishing Right Areas (CFRA) for the local residents’ livelihoods and food security. She noted the importance of a Stock Assessment and Socio-Economic survey completed in February 2024, which significantly influenced the development of this management plan.

Kuridrani detailed that the plan includes strategies designed to boost fish populations and preserve the long-term health of the coastal ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can benefit from these resources as well. A key element of the plan is to promote community engagement, improve resource management coordination, and build resilience among residents.

Support from the Government of Japan, through JICA, aligns this initiative with the overarching goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on sustainable ocean practices in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations. Junko Nakamura, JICA Fiji’s Project Officer, expressed optimism about the Moturiki community’s commitment to valuing and protecting their marine resources, drawing on successful coastal management models from Japan.

This launch not only reflects ongoing efforts in Fiji’s fisheries sector to enhance sustainable practices and community participation but also indicates a hopeful trajectory for fisheries management that combines ecological preservation with economic enhancement for local communities. It showcases a commitment to fostering sustainable fisheries development and ensuring ecological and economic well-being for future generations.