Ensuring optimum returns and economic growth
THE Ministry of Fisheries has thanked FAO for its ongoing support not only in addressing IUU fishing, but in also being involved in the sustainable management of Fiji’s fisheries and ocean resources.
“The Fijian Government through the Ministry of Fisheries is taking heed of the call by the international community through the United Nations General Assembly and the FAO Committee on Fisheries for a binding international instrument on minimum standards for port state measures based on the 2001 FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU fishing and the 2005 FAO model scheme on port state measures to combat IUU fishing,” he said.
“The agreement we are signing will certainly assists Fiji in meeting its commitment to the United Nations and importantly safeguarding our fisheries resources.
“This in turn with assist in our ongoing and collective efforts with our other stakeholders to ensure that resources benefit our people and our nation not only in the immediate period, but also way into the future.
“Specifically the agreement will enable Fiji through capacity building of its staff in the ministry and other stakeholders to identify and prevent vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing from using our ports and landing their catches.
“In implementing this project, Fiji will reduce and hopefully eliminate such vessels from continuing to operate by blocking