Boosting Fiji's frontline against illegal fishing: A step forward in Maritime Surveillance and Inspection
Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)
Strengthening national capacity and regional solidarity for sustainable tuna fisheries
This February marked a key advancement in the protection of Fiji’s tuna resources and the fight against illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities.
In a week-long intensive training session held from 5 – 9 February, 28 Monitoring Control Surveillance (MCS) practitioners from the Fiji Navy and the Ministry of Fisheries (MOF) were equipped with enhanced skills and knowledge. This initiative, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), in collaboration with the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries, the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI), and the Australia Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), was aimed at fortifying Fiji's capabilities to conduct effective fishing vessel inspections.
A Collaborative Effort for Ocean Sustainability
The training was a response to a request for in-country support to build boarding inspection capacity among Fiji's boarding officers.
"Enhancing safe and effective port and at-sea inspection capacity remains an integral component of Fiji's MCS Integrated approach and capability development," noted Senior Fisheries Research Officer Meli Raibece during the training's opening remarks.
FFA Deputy Director General, Dr Pio Manoa, highlighted the collaborative efforts of the FFA Secretariat and partners to address the capacity-building needs under the Fiji and FFA Country Partnership Agreement (CPA).
Comprehensive Training for Comprehensive Protection
The course covered a wide range of critical topics, including vessel inspection procedures, best practices to support fisheries management objectives, evolving legal instruments and conservation measures, components of the MCS tools, health and safety, IUU risks, and focus on catch reporting verification through log sheet analysis and electronic reporting. Participants also engaged in practical exercises at Suva Port, providing them with hands-on experience to complement their theoretical knowledge.
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This training is not just a capability development response to Fiji’s needs for newly recruited officials involved in vessel inspections and support services; it represents a broader commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the preservation of oceanic resources. The inclusion of practical boarding exercises, guided by theoretical guidelines, was aimed at detecting IUU fishing activities and supporting sustainable fisheries management.
A Testament to Regional Cooperation
The success of this training session underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the collective efforts of government bodies and international partners. The initiative served as a platform for enhancing interagency cooperation and networking between the Fisheries and Navy, fostering a unified approach to maritime surveillance and enforcement.
We extend our gratitude to the Government of Fiji and all our partners for their support, and this achievement gives hope for the future of our oceans. The FFA, together with its partners New Zealand and Australia, remains committed to advancing the capabilities of Pacific island nations in safeguarding their marine resources against illegal activities, ensuring the health and sustainability of our oceans for generations to come.
#FFA #FisheriesFuture #ProtectOurOceans #CombatingIUU #RegionalCooperation
Quality Assurance Specialist at International Food Corporation PNG
9moA very good initiative by the parties involved. Training and involvement of appropriate agencies directly needed in the monitoring, control and surveillance of the Fishery stock is the way forward in combating IUU.
Corporate Pilot
10moI was proud to be associated with the FFA while operating for TSC flying the Beechcrat 200 for 2 years on rotation. Great locations, fantastic people and a very worthwhile cause. Miss it, best of luck in the future.