Fiji is looking to build stronger dialogue with neighbouring countries and those from the Northern Pacific to combat the issue of tuna depletion.

These discussions are taking place at the 13th Regular Session of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The meeting began yesterday at the Sheraton Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.

Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau said: “Fiji has a critical role to try and look at the conservation of tuna because our stock has been depleting continuously for a number of years.”

The discussion is based on the migratory pattern of tuna. Fiji has already decreased its fishing licences from 120 to 60.

“And with Fiji being the last to receive the stock overfishing up the North, it basically means we have a critical situation for Fiji.”

The week-long session has close to 500 participants from all over the world.

The meeting has at least 30 different topics and proposals in discussion.

The chairperson of the Commission, Rhea Moss-Christian, asked the participants to commit to taking at the very least some small steps this year on the issues before them.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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