Fiji Navy working closely with relevant fisheries agencies

Fiji Navy is working closely with relevant fisheries agencies to strengthen national legislation and ratify regional and international agreements to protect Fiji’s fisheries industry.

This was highlighted by Navy Commander, Timoci Natuva while making submissions before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the review of the agreement on the Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

He adds that the Fiji Navy has limited capability to effectively monitor it’s vast Economic Exclusive Zone, therefore it’s capacity to effectively monitor is enhanced by regional collaboration, cooperation and partnership.

He adds that any illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing vessels entering our ports will be subjected to immediate inspection under the agreement on the Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The result of the inspection will be communicated to other relevant authorities and organisations to facilitate cooperation in enforcement access.

He adds that as a result this, fishing vessels will have fewer ports where they can offload their illegal assets.

Natuva says that it is the opinion of the Fiji Navy that the adoption of the agreement that allows these to take place will greatly benefit Fiji in adopting and implementing best practices highlighted within the Port State Measures Agreement.