Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Cabinet has approved the National Fisheries Policy for 2024–2028. In his statement, Rabuka highlighted that the policy serves as a strategic framework aimed at managing Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic growth, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for various sectors, including:
– Offshore Fisheries: Creation of management plans, legislative updates, support for industry development, and undertaking strategic research.
– Aquaculture: Promotion of sustainable practices, modernization of legislation, and adoption of environmentally friendly methods.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: Implementation of community-based management approaches, legislative revisions, and support for small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: Focus on marine spatial management, enhancing youth and gender involvement, developing environmental policies, and addressing the linkages with tourism.
Rabuka emphasized that the policy is a product of comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and is designed to align with both national priorities and international obligations.