Fiji’s government is facing increasing pressure to address the declining supplies of albacore tuna, particularly affecting the coastal town of Levuka. Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau has spotlighted the critical importance of the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) to the local economy, emphasizing that hundreds of women’s livelihoods are at stake from the depletion of this vital resource.
During a recent parliamentary session, Koroilavesau responded to Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu’s report on the management progress of South Pacific albacore. While he acknowledged the advancements in regional fishing strategies, he stressed that immediate domestic challenges must also be prioritized. “We visited PAFCO months ago, and I urge the minister to explore ways to increase the stock of albacore being provided to Levuka,” he declared, warning that without PAFCO, the community would face dire consequences.
Highlighting the socio-economic implications, Koroilavesau stated, “Without PAFCO, Levuka will be dead,” reiterating that the absence of this supplier could undermine employment and overall economic development for residents in Lomaiviti and the wider community in Ovalau.
On a more positive note, the Minister has highlighted significant achievements in Fiji’s fisheries, including the recent marine stewardship certification awarded to the country’s albacore tuna longline sector, marking it as a significant label for sustainability. The minister emphasized that the albacore, alongside yellowfin and big eye tuna, forms the backbone of Fiji’s tuna industry and that efforts are underway to fortify the management and sustainability of these resources.
Moreover, discussions around regional cooperation, such as the proportional allocation agreement for albacore stocks among Pacific nations, reflect a growing commitment to shared resource management, which could benefit Fiji’s tuna fishery in the long term. This agreement aims to bolster stock health while ensuring equitable resource distribution.
Koroilavesau’s call to action serves as a crucial reminder of the need for upliftment in domestic fishing practices, coupled with broader regional agreements aimed at preserving fish stocks. The proactive initiatives present a hopeful outlook, emphasizing that strengthening local fisheries will not only help secure livelihoods but also contribute to ecological sustainability in the region.
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