Fiji’s offshore fisheries sector has taken a major step forward in the fight against illegal fishing with the launch of its first-ever National Fisheries Surveillance and Operations Centre.

The centre is equipped with modern vessel monitoring systems and satellite access, enabling real-time tracking of fishing vessels across the region.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu said the new surveillance facility, supported by the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership, represents a turning point in safeguarding Fiji’s tuna stocks and marine ecosystems.

“With the launch and use of this new centre we are on a transformative journey to enhance Fiji’s tuna fisheries management through cutting-edge technology. The introduction of advanced vessel tracking and vessel monitoring systems coupled with our ability to access satellite imagery will revolutionise how we monitor and manage fishing activities across the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and within our own Fiji Fisheries waters” Bainivalu highlighted.

In addition to monitoring fishing activities, the Ministry has also rolled out the National Offshore Fisheries Crew Policy, designed to protect the rights of Fijian crew members working aboard foreign and domestic fishing vessels.

This new policy addresses long-standing concerns around unfair treatment, poor working conditions, and exploitation.

“It is imperative that we ensure that every Fijian fisher, every officer on our fishing vessels is treated with dignity and respect This policy will serve as a framework for vessel owners and operators to align their practices with Fiji’s relevant labour and crewing laws as well as the international obligations that we as a proud nation are committed to uphold” she emphasized.

Opposition MP and former Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau welcomed the developments, saying the surveillance centre and policy were long overdue.

He also acknowledged that IUU fishing includes illegal activities carried out by vessels already licensed by the Fijian government not just foreign operators.

“IUU does not involve illegal fishing from overseas vessels. It also includes the illegal activities by the fishing vessels that are licensed by our own government. The IUU has always been attributed to foreign fishing vessels operating in Fiji but it also includes foreign vessels that are operating in Fiji but doing illegal activities” Koroilavesau mentioned.

As the ocean continues to feed livelihoods and shape Fijian culture, both sides of Parliament agreed that modern technology and fair labour practices must go hand in hand to ensure a sustainable and ethical fisheries sector.

By Joeli Ragoneliwa