Fiji continues to work towards improved fisheries transparency, with some major developments in recent months. Transparency is increasingly recognised as essential for sustainable fisheries management, enabling responsible governance, improving market access, and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
This month, the Ministry of Fisheries opened the Offshore Fisheries Operations Centre in Suva which is equipped with advanced surveillance technology, including vessel tracking and monitoring systems and access to satellite imagery. Fijiโs Minister for Fisheries, the Honourable Alitia Bainivalu said the timing of the opening was critical: โThis new monitoring centre arrives at a pivotal moment for Fijiโs fisheries sector. Recent data indicates that IUU (Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported) fishing costs our nation approximately FJ$50 million (US$21.8 million) annually in lost revenue.โ
