Fishers back $28.4m Budget allocation for fisheries

Fishers in Labasa have welcomed the Coalition Government's increased investment in the fisheries sector.

They say better infrastructure and support programmes will improve livelihoods, reduce post-harvest losses and create new opportunities for rural communities.

The Ministry of Fisheries has been allocated $28.4 million in the 2026-2027 National Budget, an increase of about $3.5 million from last year's allocation.

Tinal Laisani, 55, of Nakama, Labasa, who has been selling fish at the local market for the past two years, said improved storage facilities would directly benefit small-scale vendors.

"I come to the market once in a while to sell fish when my husband brings in a good catch. Sometimes the supply is not stable, and we lose income when fish is not preserved properly," Ms Laisani said.

"With more support from Government, especially ice and storage facilities, it will help us a lot.

"We are thankful because it means better opportunities for families like ours who depend on daily sales."

Her daughter, Losalini Masere, 27, who recently joined the family business, said investment in the sector could encourage more young people to remain in the fishing industry.

"I only recently started helping my mother at the market. It is hard work but it helps us survive," Ms Masere said.

"If there are more fisheries projects and proper facilities, more young people will stay in this work instead of moving away. It gives us hope that fishing can be a stable job."

From Yasawa Village in the Udu Peninsula, Cakaudrove, fisherman Villiame Misianini said proposed fisheries stations would improve access to essential services for remote communities.

"We are glad that the ministry is planning to build new fisheries stations in places like Cawaro," he said.

"Sometimes we travel long distances just to access ice or sell our catch, and by the time we return, we have already lost value. A station closer to us will make a big difference."

Mr Misianini said the investment recognised the needs of remote maritime communities.

"This is something we have been waiting for. If facilities come closer to our villages, it will help improve our income and reduce waste. It is a positive step for us in the maritime areas."

The Budget provides funding for 42 fisheries initiatives, including aquaculture development, seaweed farming and pearl oyster projects aimed at increasing rural incomes.

It also includes funding for new fisheries stations in Cawaro, Koro and Matakunea, preparatory work for the Natovi Fisheries Station, and ice machines in Vanua Balavu and Levuka to improve fish preservation.

A new $5 million Tuna Development Fund has also been introduced to support Fiji's industrial tuna sector, protect jobs and strengthen export earnings.

According to the Finance Minister, Esrom Immanuel, this initiative will support Fiji's tuna industry during periods of high operating costs and market uncertainty, helping to maintain fishing operations, protect employment and sustain export earnings.