Fiji Boosts Fight Against Illegal Fishing

After a unanimous decision in Parliament this week, Fiji has now agreed on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Port State Measure aims to ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks and ensuring that there is control over the work done to eliminate the negative environmental, economic and social consequences posed by IUU fishing.

The threat of IUU fishing has affected many countries around the world. Some have lost a substantial amount of revenue, which has affected the livelihood of its people.

While the Port State Measure Agreements fills the gap in the international fisheries governance framework through the creation of a legally binding international standard for Port State Measures, it is consistent with the Fijian Government’s Foreign Policy Agenda, in particular, its objective to build economic growth from sustainable use of natural resources. The endorsement of the Port State Measures will now reaffirm the priorities reflected in Fiji’s Ocean Pathway, which was launched in Bonn, Germany, last year.

In doing so, Fiji as an independent nation is reinforcing it’s reputation as a responsible fishing state; and in turn help raise the standard of Port State Measures in the Pacific.

Fishing vessels visit Fiji to offload its catch, restock supplies, provisioning and vessel maintenance.

While this brings benefit to the nation, the implementation of the Port State Measures will allow us to identify vessels of interest and illegal vessels that may visit our ports.

Fiji, who is also a member of the Forum Fisheries Agency, becomes the sixth member to agree to the world’s first treaty designed to combat IUU.