Suva, Fiji (5 November 2024) - The Ministry of Fisheries, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature – Pacific (WWF-Pacific), launched the second "Improving Fisheries Transparency in Fiji Workshop" today at Novotel Suva Lami Bay, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to sustainability and accountability in the management of its offshore fisheries.
 

Over the next three days, international and regional experts, government representatives, industry stakeholders, and members of civil society will collaborate to identify effective approaches to enhance transparency, improve data accessibility, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
 

Transparency is increasingly recognized as essential for sustainable fisheries management, enabling responsible governance, improving market access, and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
 

"Transparency is the cornerstone of responsible fisheries management. It allows us to ensure that our fisheries are managed sustainably, the benefits derived are equitably distributed, and the health of our marine environment is preserved for the future," said Acting Senior Principal Fisheries Officer, Offshore Fisheries Division, Ministry of Fisheries, Mr Meli Raicebe. "Fiji is committed to advancing transparency to address the challenges and opportunities we face in the Pacific region."
 

Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone spans over 1.29 million square kilometers, making the management of its marine resources a crucial task for both economic growth and ecological preservation. However, challenges such as limited resources for maritime security, outdated vessels, and the need for sustainable financing have underscored the need for collaborative and transparent approaches.
 

Speaking on behalf of WWF-Pacific’s Interim Fiji Conservation Programme Manager, Duncan Williams, echoed the importance of transparency in fisheries management, describing it as a tool that supports good governance and enhances accountability. “We recognize that transparency is crucial for aligning our fisheries with international standards, improving market access, and fostering sustainable practices. This workshop is part of our commitment to a People and Nature Positive Pacific, where communities thrive, and our oceans are protected,” said Mr. Williams. "Our partnerships with the Ministry of Fisheries, WWF-US, and others exemplify the collaboration required to address these challenges effectively."

As discussions unfold, participants will explore new technological solutions, transparency tools, and data-sharing mechanisms that support improved decision-making and governance. The workshop builds on last year’s discussions and aims to finalize an action timeline to enhance fisheries transparency measures in Fiji, setting an example for other Pacific nations.
 

WWF-Pacific and the Ministry of Fisheries extend their gratitude to the supporting partners,

including WWF-US and Bloomberg Philanthropies, for their expertise and commitment to

the sustainable development of Pacific fisheries. This workshop marks another step

forward in building a resilient and sustainable future for Fiji’s offshore fisheries sector and

the wider Pacific region.

According to a 2021 report prepared for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) by

MRAG Asia Pacific, the value of tuna harvested or transshipped in the Pacific tuna fisheries

involving IUU fishing activity was estimated at US$333.49 million annually for the study

period 2017 – 2019.¹

 

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For media inquiries and additional information, please contact:

Ms. Tui Marseu

Communications Officer, WWF-Pacific

Email: tmarseu@wwfpacific.org

Phone: +679 2909087

Editor's Note:

¹MRAG Asia Pacific (2021). The Quantification of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in the Pacific Islands Region – a 2020 Update. 125 p.3. 
The Improving Fisheries Transparency in Fiji Workshop is part of WWF's broader efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management globally. For more information about WWF-Pacific and its initiatives, visit wwfpacific.org

 

WWF’s work in the Pacific spans nearly three decades with offices in Papua New Guinea,

Solomon Islands and Fiji with a regional hub in Suva. Since the mid 1990s, we have delivered

community-led conservation to protect the region's astonishing natural heritage, relied upon

by millions of people for food, water, livelihoods and protection from climate change. More:

www.wwfpacific.org
 

The Ministry of Fisheries is the national fisheries sector and industry's regulatory and service

organisation. The ministry’s goal is to have the best fisheries in the Pacific region, with the

objective to sustain, manage, and protect Fiji's fisheries. More: http://fisheries.gov.fj/