The Ministry of Fisheries has launched the Coastal Fisheries Program to address the difficulties facing coastal fisheries resources. Minister Alitia Bainivalu shared details about the program’s goals during a parliamentary session yesterday.
The initiative seeks to enhance food security, sustainably maximize economic returns, and improve the management and conservation of coastal fisheries. Minister Bainivalu noted that these resources and their habitats face significant stress due to high fishing pressure, increasing coastal development, sedimentation, and pollution. She indicated that the estimated annual production from coastal commercial and subsistence fisheries is approximately 30,700 tonnes, although this figure is complicated by the many landing sites and the 850 coastal communities that depend on these resources.
The program aims 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 and 27 deep-water snapper fishing licenses to support local livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
Minister Bainivalu emphasized the importance of providing Fijians with access to nutritious food and safe protein sources, as well as supporting their livelihoods. The ministry also offers ice services through 24 fisheries service centers nationwide and conducts 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 provided with training and equipment to aid in their establishment. The main objective of this initiative is to foster investment and financial stability for fishers, maximize their economic returns from fishing, and grant them access to support provided by the government or financial institutions.