Govt Incentives to Assist Fisherfolks
CDirector of Fisheries Neomai Ravitu says that the system of issuing fishing passes was necessary to ensure that fisherfolks had a continued source of income.
ommercial fishing is the backbone of the local fishing industry. Often referred to as coastal or inshore fishery, this industry involves the local licensed fisherfolks who harvest fish and invertebrates within Fiji’s 411 traditional fishing grounds or i-qoliqoli’s and for high value deepwater snapper fish species outside of these fishing grounds.
Fiji’s inshore fisheries resources involve small scale commercial reef fisheries targeting the domestic markets and the export of inshore resources such as reef fish. The inshore fishery makes a significant contribution to the local Fijian economy in terms of domestic food supplies and income generation.
COVID-19 Measures
This industry directly involves close to 2000 licensed fishers annually throughout Fiji and also supports fishing crews, middlemen and women, market vendors and shops providing income and livelihood for them as well.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many livelihoods and industries and fishing is no exception. The nationwide lockdowns, curfews and containment zones restricted movements for commercial fishers and their crew, affecting both their food security status and income generating capabilities.
Government through the Ministries of Fisheries, Health, Transport, and the Fijian Navy, among other agencies, put together a few measures in May this year to assist fisherfolks in terms of their business continuity and one of them was the issuance of fishing passes.
Director of Fisheries, Neomai Ravitu says that the system of issuing fishing passes was necessary to ensure that fisherfolks had a continued source of income.
“We have issued a total of 926 fishing passes since June. Out of this number, 599 passes were issued in the Central Division while
327 were in the Western Division.”
“Passes will continue to be issued to licensed fishers and their details and number of fishing crew are logged by our officers. Their departure time and arrival times are monitored and this ensures their safety out at sea as well as their adherence to the health regulations currently in place,” said Ms Ravitu.
“For fishers wishing to spend up to five nights out at sea for commercial fishing purposes, they will need to provide evidence of receiving both their Covid 19 vaccines.”
Ms Ravitu adds that movement for fishers with passes has been restricted between zoned areas, or between red and green zones.
“These fisherfolk must depart and land their boats within their own zones, but may fish in adjacent red and green zones provided they do not have any contact with other fisherfolk or come ashore for any purpose in a different red or green zone.”
When applying for fishing passes, all vessel masters and crew
members must have the careFIJI contact tracing app downloaded on their phones and whilst out at sea, they must ensure the bluetooth function on their devices are enabled at all times.
Upon return to land, all catch must be offloaded following COVID-safe measures.
Ms Ravitu adds that the response has been positive so far and the feedback received indicates that fishers are content with the arrangements currently in place.
“This system will be reviewed once Government gives the green light for things to return to some form of normalcy.”
Government to continue support
Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Pene Baleinabuli said there is even more great news for the fisherfolks in terms of Government’s ongoing support.
Minister for Economy Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum whileannouncing the national budget in July indicated that Government was going to support the fishing industry including both the inshore
and offshore fishers.
Government will pay inshore fishing licence fees and other associated MSAF fees for the local fishing industry for the next two years for the benefit of all fishing licence holders and registered boat owners with an allocation of $200,000 for the benefit of more than 3,000 license holders and boat owners. Registration fees, annual boat survey fees and boat master licenses are also now valid for five years for fishing boats shorter than 15 meters.
Licensed fishers will not have to pay for their license, vessel registration, crew registration and skiff registration fees.
Mr Baleinabuli said this direct support will reduce the financial burden on the fishers during these difficult times.
Additionally, this will encourage fisherfolks to be more transparent and allow the Ministry of Fisheries to better record and monitor licensed fishers, vessels, gears and fishing grounds.
Mr Baleinabuli said it is very important to note that the licensing process has not changed. The conditions and requirements for obtaining a fishing license remains the same and is mandated under the Fisheries Act CAP 158.
The requirements of which as follows:
1. Fishing Permit (applied at and issued from Divisional Commissioner’s office)
2. Birth Certificate
3. Two Passport Photos
4. Voter ID/ TIN Card/TIN Letter
5. Valid Boat Master License (from MSAF)
6. Valid Vessel Survey Certificate (from MSAF)
7. Catch Return (License renewal applicants)
8. License Form (Filled in person at Fisheries when applying)
Members of the public wishing to obtain fishing licenses and passes are encouraged to visit their nearest Fisheries Service Centres for more information and advice.
Mr Baleinabuli said that as more Fijians take advantage of these incentives to take up sustainable livelihoods in our blue economy, Government is adamant that our fishers and coastal communities will experience a steady increase from the value of their catches.
“From a blue economy perspective, we hope more Fijians will actively participate in the sustainable management of our fisheries resources,” he said.
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Sara took to her Instagram story and posted a picture from the dubbing studio, with the film’s name on the screen and a mic in the front.
Directed by Anand L Rai, ‘Atrangi Re’ also stars Akshay Kumar and Dhanush in key roles.that our viewers across the spectrum will be inspired by this film that honours the life of one of the greatest martyrs in Indian history, whose profound and heart wrenching sacrifice avenged the death of many innocents,” he said.
The filming of the movie started in December last year.
Back then, pictures from the sets of the film in Agra created a splash on the internet. They offered a glimpse into the world of ‘Atrangi Re’ with Akshay in the avatar of a king and Sara in an all-pink ethnic ensemble. ‘Atrangi Re’ has been written by Himanshu Sharma and the musical maestro AR Rahman has composed the album for the film with songs penned by Irshad Kamil.
Sara recently had left everyone impressed by donning a saree at the Global Citizen concert.