Our goal is to maximise the potential of our fisheries, support industry stakeholders, build the economy and ensure equitable wealth and benefit sharing are enforced.
The Minister for Fisheries, Kalaveti Ravu highlighted this while officiating at the launching of the workshop on improving Fisheries in Fiji that is held at Tanoa Hotel and also stated that they are stepping up their efforts to ensure the long-term management of our fisheries resources.
The Minister says in 2021, Fiji’s fisheries sector played a major role in the economy by contributing $149.8 million to the national income including $49 million from fresh fish exports, $6.4 million from prepared/preserved fish exports and $94.4 million from fresh fish re-exports that makes up 8% of total exports.
Ravu says transparency is the cornerstone of responsible fisheries management, and it's the beacon that guides us in our collective effort to ensure that our fisheries sector is managed sustainably.
While addressing the participants, Ravu encouraged them to engage in open and constructive dialogue to identify the challenges they face, both legislative and practical and work collectively to seek solutions.
He adds that the participants should recognise the participation of the 3 Pacific Island countries that have committed to improving fisheries transparency in their fishing operations which will also provide a learning opportunity from their experiences if it may be at an early stage of implementation.
The Minister also encourages the participants to seize the opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding and work together as partners to shape a future where our oceans flourish, our fisherman thrives and the people of Fiji prosper.
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