The Ministry of Fisheries has launched the Coastal Fisheries Program to address the challenges confronting coastal fishery resources. Minister Alitia Bainivalu announced the program’s goals during a parliamentary session yesterday.
She explained that the initiative aims to improve food security, enhance sustainable economic returns, and bolster the management and conservation of coastal fisheries. Bainivalu noted that these resources and their habitats are facing stress from high fishing pressure, increased coastal development, sedimentation, and pollution.
The annual production of coastal commercial and subsistence fisheries stands at approximately 30,700 tonnes. However, she pointed out that this figure is complicated by the presence of many landing sites and the 850 coastal communities that depend on these resources.
The program is designed to combat overfishing in coral reef areas, ensure food security for coastal and maritime communities, and enhance fisheries management. In 2023, the ministry issued 2,816 inshore fishing licenses and 27 licenses for deep-water snapper fishing to support local livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
Bainivalu emphasized the importance of providing Fijians with access to nutritious food and safe protein sources while supporting their livelihoods. To this end, the ministry has made ice services available through 24 fisheries service centers nationwide, along with training for licensed fishers and fishing cooperatives on post-harvest practices and ice usage to maintain seafood quality.
Furthermore, 30 fishing cooperatives have been registered and have received training and equipment to aid in their development. The main objective is to foster investment and financial stability for fishers, maximize their economic returns from fishing, and provide access to assistance from the government or financial institutions.