Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has 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 an emphasis on sustainability, economic development, and food security.
The policy outlines specific strategies for various sectors, including:
– Offshore Fisheries: The focus will be on developing management plans, updating legislation, supporting industry growth, and conducting strategic research.
– Aquaculture: The aim is to promote sustainable practices, modernize legal frameworks, and implement environmentally responsible approaches.
– Coastal and Inland Fisheries: This sector will prioritize community-based management, legislative updates, and support for small-scale fisheries.
– Cross-Sectoral Issues: The policy will also tackle marine spatial management, enhance gender and youth participation, address environmental policies, and consider the relationship with tourism.
Rabuka noted that the policy is the result of comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and is in line with both national goals and international obligations.