Ministry of Fisheries is currently collaborating with development partners and relevant stakeholders to establish Fiji’s first National Fisheries Policy.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau at the National Fisheries Policy Second Stakeholders Consultation at Holiday Inn in Suva yesterday.

He said this was a policy document that would set the strategic direction for the fisheries sector for the next five years in a co-ordinated fashion like never before.

Mr Koroilavesau also said the policy would be addressing a lot of challenges and shortcomings the ministry had been facing in the past.

“The new ministry of Fisheries will be strengthening its approach to improve our quality of service to the Fijian people  especially to those living in isolated and remote areas,” he said.

“The ministry will endeavour to improve its research and development competencies to assist coastal-based villages and settlements to natural disasters through adaptation strategies.

“The ministry will also be improving the policing to minimise illegal, unregistered and unregulated fishing.”

Mr Koroilavesau said they would also  work on including women, youths and the elderly in income-generating activities.

He added they would also work with other partners especially non-government organisations on improving awareness measures to protect the environment.

Director Fisheries John Madden said they were looking forward for the national policy.

“By tomorrow the consultants will come up with a final drafted policy. We will present it to the Fisheries Minister early next week,” Mr Madden said yesterday.

“The real challenge now for the ministry is the formulation of this national policy for Fisheries Ministry.”

The fisheries sector is projected to contribute 1.8 per cent to the Fijian economy this year and the Ministry will be working hard to further its performance in the coming years.

Edited by: Farzana Nisha