‘Our Ocean Challenges Need Novel Solutions’
The oceans are the lungs of our planet, providing for 70 per cent of the oxygen we breathe and for many of us is part of our lives; woven into our tradition and culture, says Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau.
Mr Koroilavesau made the statement in Suva on Saturday prior to World Ocean Day today.
“Over the decades, the ocean has provided us with basic necessities contributing to improved livelihoods and economic progress,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
“As the challenges to our ocean continue to grow, so does the need for novel solutions and the people driving them,” he said. “Everyone has an integral part to play. There are multiple reasons why we need to celebrate World Oceans Day.”
The theme this year is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean.”
The minister has called on all Fijians to be innovative while battling the growing challenges of depleting fish stocks, over-exploitation, loss of marine habitats, marine pollution, changes to sea surface temperature and climate change.
“As we embark on the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science, we need to be innovative in all appropriate steps for the sustainability of our Oceans,” he said.
“This includes collation of appropriate scientific data to determine tangible management options supported by appropriate funding for sustainable implementation.”
The growing threats that inflict pressure on the ocean and its resources have made Mr Koroilavesau more determined to work with all Fijians to ensure a safe ocean environment.
Meanwhile the ministry is now making commitments in the following areas:
■ Finalising Fiji’s commitment on achieving 30 per cent protection and 100 per cent management of Fiji’s fisheries waters by 2030;
■ Planting of one million corals (1,000,000) to boost coral reef biodiversity by 2023, with the view towards increasing the volume thereafter; and
■ Empowering all Fijians as ocean citizens to play their part in helping Fiji to be free from Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“For coastal communities, let us continue to utilise our ocean in consideration of our future,” he said.
“For commercially driven entities, let us be reminded of our actions and how it affects the survival of ocean resources.
“To our partners, the time to collaborate is now as our shared efforts will ensure the protection of the ocean, its resources and the lives of all Fijians, now and way into the future.”