The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry today conducted the electronic port state measures system training to ensure the protection of oceans and food security for the people in Fiji.
While opening the training, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry Atelaite Rokosuka says the main objective is to combat, address and streamline the process Fiji and the region.
Rokosuka says the port state measures agreement provides a framework for countries to strengthen port controls and enhance international cooperation.
She reiterated the need for stakeholders to combat the activities geared towards addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Fiji’s exclusive economic zone.
Rokosuka says the training today represents a significant milestone in the global efforts to ensure sustainable fishing and to protect our oceans.
The Permanent Secretary adds that illegal fishing is a great threat to Fiji’s marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.
She says it underlines the conservation of management measures put in place to retain fish stocks.
She elaborated on the consequences of over fishing and states that it depletes fish populations, damages marine life inhabitants and disrupts coastal economies.
When questioned by fijivillage on the loss of revenue from illegal fishing, Rokosuka says it depends on the severity of the illegal fishing done and she believes it is big substantial amount.
The two-day workshop will end tomorrow at the Peninsula Hotel.
Other stakeholders that were part of the workshop include representatives from various vessel operators, and agents like Hangton Pacific, Pacific Fishing Company, Solander Pacific, CKP Fishing, and JULS Fiji.
