Fiji ramps up fight against unreported fishing

With Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing continuing to threaten Pacific waters, Fiji is strengthening surveillance systems and relying on regional cooperation to protect one of its most valuable resources.

Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu said that while some Pacific Island countries face serious challenges with illegal fishing, Fiji’s main concern is unreported catches rather than outright illegal incursions.

“Some countries in the Pacific are facing the challenge of illegal fishing — illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” Ms Bainivalu said.

“That is something we are working towards fighting.”

Across the region, efforts to combat IUU fishing are coordinated through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), which provides training and technical support to member states.

Ms Bainivalu said the agency plays a critical role in capacity-building and enforcement coordination among Pacific Island nations.

Fiji has also invested in technology to strengthen oversight within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). All licensed fishing vessels operating in Fijian waters are required to install a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), enabling authorities to track fishing activity in real time.

In late 2024, Fiji opened a national monitoring centre in Walu Bay, Suva, significantly boosting surveillance capability.

The centre allows officers to monitor vessels on a large digital interface and generate reports within a day — a process that previously took up to a week.

“For us in Fiji, it’s not really the aspect of illegal fishing,” Ms Bainivalu said.

“It’s more on the aspect of unreported fishing.”

The improved turnaround time allows authorities to respond more quickly to discrepancies in catch reporting, strengthening enforcement and transparency.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj