Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for the years 2024 to 2028. In his statement, Rabuka emphasized that the policy establishes a strategic framework aimed at effectively managing Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic advancement, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for different sectors, which include:
– Offshore Fisheries: The development of management plans, updates to legislation, support for industry growth, and strategic research initiatives.
– Aquaculture: Promotion of sustainable practices, modernization of legislation, and the adoption of environmentally friendly methods.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: Emphasis on community-based management, legislative updates, and support for small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: Focus on marine spatial management, involvement of gender and youth, environmental policies, and the relationship with tourism.
The Prime Minister indicated that the formulation of this policy was guided by extensive consultations with stakeholders and aligns with both national objectives and international commitments.