Fiji Offshore Fisheries Management and Development Plan: A ......Fiji Offshore Fisheries Management...
Transcript of Fiji Offshore Fisheries Management and Development Plan: A ......Fiji Offshore Fisheries Management...
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Fiji Offshore Fisheries Management and
Development Plan: A plan for tuna and other
pelagic fisheries.
2021– 2026
Contents ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................... 3
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 6
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1. Background ................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.1. Guiding Principles .................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.2. Legal context .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.3. Structure of the Plan ............................................................................................................ 9
1.2. Scope ............................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................. 10
1.4. Goal ................................................................................................................................................ 10
1.5. Authorities and Roles.................................................................................................................... 10
1.5.1. Stakeholders and partner agencies ................................................................................... 10
1.6. Stakeholder Engagement ............................................................................................................. 11
1.7 Gender and Social Inclusiveness................................................................................................ 11
1.8. Commencement .............................................................................................................................. 12
1.9. Present State of the Fishery .................................................................................................... 12
2. TUNA MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 14
2.1. Objectives..................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2. Management Plan Activity Table ............................................................................................ 16
2.3. Management Arrangements .................................................................................................... 19
2.3.1. Establishing and Allocating Fishing Rights ................................................................ 19
2.3.2. Management limits ............................................................................................................. 19
2.3.4. Harvest Strategy .................................................................................................................. 20
2.3.5. By-catch management ....................................................................................................... 20
2.4. Licensing ...................................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.1. Licence applications .......................................................................................................... 20
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2.4.2. Fishing on the High Seas .................................................................................................. 20
2.5. Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Enforcement ........................................................ 20
2.5.1. Key Documents ................................................................................................................... 20
2.5.2. Logbooks .............................................................................................................................. 21
2.5.3. E-Monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 21
2.5.4 E-Reporting .................................................................................................................................... 21
2.5.5. Observer programs ............................................................................................................ 22
2.5.6. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) ................................................................................... 22
2.5.7. Transhipment ....................................................................................................................... 22
2.5.8. Port State Measures ........................................................................................................... 23
2.5.9. Bunkering .............................................................................................................................. 23
2.5.10. Catch Traceability Scheme ............................................................................................ 23
2.5.12. Sea and aerial Surveillance ............................................................................................ 23
2.6. Penalties ........................................................................................................................................... 24
2.7. Monitoring and Evaluation of the Plan ..................................................................................... 24
2.8. Review of the Plan ......................................................................................................................... 24
3. TUNA INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................ 24
3.1. Background ................................................................................................................................. 24
3.1. Objectives..................................................................................................................................... 25
3.1.1. Development Plan Activity Table .................................................................................... 26
Appendix 1 Implementation Plan.................................................................................................. 29
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ACRONYMS
SP ALB – South Pacific albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)
ABNJ - Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
AW – Archipelagic waters
BET – Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)
CA – Competent Authority
CMMs – Conservation and Management Measures
CPUE – Catch per Unit Effort
CTA – Cape Town Agreement
DWFN – Distant-Water Fishing Nations
EEZ – Exclusive Economic Zone
EMS - Electronic Monitoring system
EM – Electronic Monitoring
ER – Electronic Reporting
EU – European Union
FAD – Fish Aggregating Device
FAO – United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation
FFA – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
FFAC - Fiji Fisheries Advisory Council
FFC - Forum Fisheries Committee
FFW - Fiji Fisheries Waters
FNGP - Fiji National Gender Policy (2014),
FNU - Fiji National University
FFIA – Fiji Fishing Industry Association
FPCL - Fiji Ports Corporation Limited
GEF - Global Environment Facility
GDP – Gross Domestic Product
HCRs – Harvest Control Rules
HTAC – Hybrid total allowable catch
ICCAT – International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
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IATTC - Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
IMS – Information Management System
IFIMS – Integrated Fisheries Information Management System
IPOA - International Plan of Action
IUU - Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing
INGO – International non-government organisation
IW – Internal Waters
MCS – Monitoring, control and surveillance
MoF – Ministry of Fisheries
MSC – Marine Stewardship Council
MTC – Minimum terms and Conditions
MoU - Memorandum of Understanding
MTU – Mobile transceiver unit
NFP - National Fisheries Policy
NCCP - National Climate Change Policy (2018-2030)
NPOA – National Plan of Action
NGO – Non government organisation
NZ MPI – New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries
OCS - Operational Compliance Strategy
OFP – SPC Oceanic Fisheries Programme
OFMD - Offshore Fisheries Management Division
OFMA - Offshore Fisheries Management Act 2012
OFMR - Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014
OP – MoF Operational Plan (2019 – 2020)
PAFCO – Pacific Fishing Company
PSMA – Agreement on Port State Measures
PNA – Parties to the Nauru Agreement
QUADs – Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
RFMO – Regional Fisheries Management Organization
RFV - Record of Fishing Vessels
ROP – Regional Observer Programme
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SC-SPTBF – FFC Subcommittee for South Pacific Tuna and Billfish Fisheries
SDP - MoF Strategic Development Plan (2019-2029)
SIDs - Small Island Developing States
SOP – Standard Operating Procedures
SPC – Secretariat of the Pacific Community
SPRFMO – South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization
STCW-f - The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watch keeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel.
OFMDP – Offshore Fisheries Management and Development Plan
TAC – Total allowable catch
TKA – Tokelau Arrangement
TUFMAN 2 – Tuna Fisheries Management Database version 2
UNCLOS – United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea
UNFSA – United Nations Fish Stock Agreement
USP - University of the South Pacific
UST - US Multilateral Treaty
VMS – Vessel monitoring system
WCPFC – Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
WCPO – Western Central Pacific Ocean
YFT – Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
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DEFINITIONS Archipelagic waters– all areas of sea contained within the baselines established under
section 4 of the Marine Spaces Act (Cap 158A).
Bycatch – non-targeted species or unwanted fish caught during a commercial fishing
activity. Bunkering – the carriage and transfer of fuel from one vessel to another by any means
and “bunker” have a corresponding meaning. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) - indirect measure of abundance of target species.
Chartered fishing vessel - for the purposes of the Act, means a fishing vessel
bareboat or demise chartered by a Fiji citizen or company incorporated in Fiji. Endangered Species – Species at risk of extinction or when the chance of the survival
in the wild is unlikely unless action is taken to conserve that population. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) - comprises all areas of sea having, as their
innermost limits the outermost limits of the territorial seas, and, as their outermost limits, a line drawn seaward from the baselines every point of which is at a distance of 200 miles from the nearest point of the appropriate baseline. Fiji vessel - means a vessel which is duly registered under the Marine Act, and
includes a vessel chartered by a Fiji national. Fish - any aquatic plant or animal, whether piscine or not, and includes any oyster or
other mollusc, crustacean, coral, sponge, holothurian (beche-de-mer), or other echinoderm, turtle and marine mammal, and includes their eggs, spawn, spat and all juvenile stages and any of their parts. Fish aggregating device (FAD) - any living or non-living object or group of objects, of
any size, that has or has not been deployed, including but not limited to buoys, floats, netting, webbing, plastics, bamboo, logs and large fish floating on or near the surface of the water. Fiji Fisheries Advisory Council (FFAC) – The function of the Council is to advise the
Minister on policy matters relating to fisheries conservation, management, development and sustainable use. Fiji Fisheries Waters (FFW) - means the internal waters, the archipelagic waters, the
territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone and any other waters over which Fiji exercises its sovereignty or sovereign rights and includes the bed and subsoil underlying those waters. Harvest strategies - A harvest strategy is a framework that specifies the pre-
determined management actions in a fishery for defined species (at the stock or management unit level) necessary to achieve agreed biological, ecological, economic and/or social management objectives.
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Port State Measures - The Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) is the first
binding international agreement to specifically target illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Its objective is to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by preventing vessels engaged in IUU fishing from using ports and landing their catches. Provisioning – Includes the movement on to and off the fishing vessel of crew, engine
parts, rations, bait, fishing gear and other goods. Stakeholder - Any person or group (including governmental and non-governmental
Institutions, traditional communities, universities, research institutions, development agencies and banks, donors, etc.) With an interest or claim (whether stated or implied) which has the potential of being impacted by or having an impact on a given project and its objectives. Stock assessment- collection and modelling of wide biological and fisheries data to
Determine the current status of the stock and how the fishing pressure will affect the stock in future. Stock Biomass –the total weight of the fish in a given stock. Occasionally, rather than
total biomass, scientists will refer to the spawning stock biomass (SSB), the total weight of the reproductively mature individuals in the stock. Sustainability- maintain the stock at a level that does not lead to long term decline.
Target Reference Point - describe the intended outcome for the stock and are
generally associated with management objectives. Territorial Sea (TS) - The territorial seas of Fiji comprise all areas of sea having as their
innermost limits the baselines established under the provisions of this section and as their outermost limits a line measured seaward from those baselines every point of which is at a distance of twelve miles from the nearest point of the baselines. Transhipment – means the transfer of any or all of the fish onboard a vessel onto
another vessel, either directly or by off-loading the fish from the vessel onto the shore and then immediately onto another vessel, for the purposes of transporting that fish elsewhere and does not include net sharing. Vessel monitoring system - any system to monitor the position and activities of fishing
vessels for the purpose of effective management of fisheries. WCPFC SPA Roadmap - Roadmap to implement the elements needed for the effective
conservation and management for south Pacific albacore at the WCPFC level.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
Fiji’s tuna fisheries are an important source of income and as well as food security for
the citizens of Fiji. The total contribution to GDP from all tuna longline related sectors in
2017 was FJ$104.5 million1, and for the three years 2015-2017, the domestic tuna
longline fleet fishing in national waters contributed a total of over 5 million kilograms of
tuna and other pelagic fish for local consumption and processing plants1.
Given this importance to Fiji’s economy, it is imperative that Fiji’s fisheries resources are
harvested in a manner that ensures their long-term sustainability and optimum
utilisation. This Offshore Fisheries Management and Development Plan (OFMDP)
seeks to achieve these dual aims by guiding the management and sustainable
development of the offshore fisheries resources in accordance with National goals and
international obligations.
Fiji’s offshore tuna fisheries is predominately a longline fishery targeting South Pacific
Albacore (SP ALB), other key tuna species caught are Yellowfin (YFT) and Bigeye
(BET). Other species of billfish and tuna like species are also a valuable component of
the fishery. As such over the last 5 years, Fiji have explored the viability of developing
these other pelagic species into industrial scale fisheries.
This OFMDP is consistent with Strategic Development Plan (SDP 2019 – 2029), the
draft National Fisheries Policy (NFP), National Climate Change Policy (NCCP 2018-
2030), draft National Oceans Policy, as well as the Offshore Fisheries Management Act
2012 (OFMA) and the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014 (OFMR).
1.1.1. Guiding Principles
This OFMDP reflect the principles and measures outlined in Part 2, section 6 of the
Offshore Fisheries Management Act 2012.
1.1.2. Legal context
The OFMDP is prepared in accordance with the provisions of the OFMA 2012 and the
OFMR 2014. Section 17 of the OFMA specifies that a Fisheries Management Plan is
required for a declared Fishery and sections 18 and 19 specifies how the management
1 Skirtun, M and Reid, C. (2019), An assessment of economic contributions from tuna longline fishery-related sectors to national Gross Domestic Product, Forum Fisheries Agency
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plan will come into effect and be amended or revoked. This OFMDP is intended to
satisfy this legal requirement.
Fiji also has obligations under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
Convention (WCPFC), the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS), and the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) to implement
regional management decisions to preserve the sustainability of the straddling fish
stocks. Fiji is signatory to the Cape Town Agreement (CTA) which is expected to enter
into force in 2022.
1.1.3. Structure of the Plan
The OFMDP is composed of two sections:
-Part 1 covers all aspects of fisheries management
-Part 2 covers the economic and development aspects of the fishing Industry
1.1.4. Newly Declared Fisheries
All newly declared pelagic fishery gazetted under Section 16 of the OFMA, shall have a
description of the fishery; special conditions of licence, fishery restrictions and gazzetal
notices annexed to this document.
1.2. Scope
This OFMDP applies to all Fiji Fisheries Waters’ (FFW) internal waters (IW), the
archipelagic waters (AW), the territorial sea (TS) and the Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ).
The OFMDP focuses on Fiji’s longline fishery and includes vessels licenced to fish in
Fiji’s waters as well as Fiji flagged vessel authorized to fish in the High Seas. The
OFMDP extends to fishing vessels licenced through charters, but does not include
vessels undertaking sport, recreational and scientific research. Although artisanal,
subsistence and small scale fishers are not subject to the management measures in this
plan, however their rights and interests are protected under this OFMDP.
This OFMDP also includes all commercial tuna fishing related activities, such as
Transhipping;
Landing;
Bunkering;
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Provisioning and
All other services relating to the tuna fishery, including on-shore processing and
provision of port facilities.
The key species covered under this OFMDP include:
South Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga)
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)
Key non-target billfish, mahi mahi and tuna-like species designated under Section 16
of the OFMA 2012 with gazzettals appended in Annex 1 of this plan.The OFMDP
also covers endangered species and includes measures to minimise impacts on
these animals.
1.3. Purpose
The purpose of this Plan is to guide the management and sustainable development of
the offshore fisheries to ensure the long-term sustainability of these resources for the
benefit of the people of Fiji.
1.4. Goal
This Plan has the following goals:
Fiji’s offshore fisheries resources are harvested in a manner that ensures their
long-term sustainability and optimum utilisation.
Ensure broad participation by Fiji nationals in activities related to the sustainable
use of fisheries resources.
Ensure that the interests and rights of artisanal, subsistence fishers and local
communities are considered in all management decisions.
Ensure that good governance, management and compliance systems are in
place.
Initiate climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience strategies.
1.5. Authorities and Roles The Offshore Fisheries Management Division (OFMD) within the Ministry of Fisheries
(MoF) will be responsible for implementing this OFMDP with the assistance of other
government ministries and external agencies and partners listed below.
1.5.1. Stakeholders and partner agencies
Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA)
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Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL)
Fiji Revenue and Custom Service (FRCS)
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBOS)
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing & Environment
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism (MoITT)
Ministry of Health (MoH)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
Ministry of Employment Productivity and Industrial Relations (MoEPIR)
Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoI&T)
Solicitor General’s Office (SGO)
Investment Fiji (IF)
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF)
Regional Fisheries Organizations (FFA, MSG, SC-SPTBF, SPC, WCPFC, FAO,
USP and FNU)
Ministry of iTaukei Affairs (MoiTA)
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs (such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF))
Private Sector Agencies
Development Banks
PAFCO and other approved offshore fish processing establishments
Other approved offshore fishing companies that are not members of FFIA.
Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA)
Fiji Navy (RFNS)
Ministry of Economy (MoE)
1.6. Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with the commercial tuna industry on the implementation of this plan
through regular consultations with the FFIA and other Fishing and processing
companies or through memberships in committees’ setup by the permanent
secretary such as the Fiji Fisheries Advisory Council (FFAC).
Engage with relevant Government and non-Government agencies to conduct
awareness and outreach programs for artisanal and subsistence fishers to
ensure an understanding of the management and regulations pertaining to Fiji’s
tuna fisheries.
Engage with NGO’s that are currently undertaking projects to make
advancements in the tuna fisheries
Engage widely with broader community at roadshows, primary industry shows
and through regular posts on MoF’s website, social media, radio shows and
media releases.
1.7 Gender and Social Inclusiveness
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A study of gender issues in the tuna fisheries for Fiji, Kiribati and PNG, by Sullivan et al.
(2008)2, found a number of common issues that prevented women gaining maximum
benefit from the tuna fisheries. These included among other things, women not being
able to access public or private funding for spin-off business opportunities from the tuna
industries and many of the social problems associated with the tuna fisheries fall
disproportionately on women. The study also revealed that education and training are
is crucial to enhance women’s opportunities within the tuna industry.
In alignment with Fiji National Gender Policy (FNGP 2014), this plan encourages
mainstreaming of gender equity and equality in partnership with other line agencies.
1.8. Commencement
This OFMDP comes into effect on the date of its publication in the Gazette.
1.9. Present State of the Fishery
Fiji’s offshore tuna fishery sector is primarily a longline fishery targeting SP ALB which
accounted for 62 % of the catch in 2018. Other key tuna species caught are YFT and
BET. There is also an assortment of by-catch species such as billfish and mahi-mahi.
Full details of catch trends can be found in Fiji’s annual report to WCPFC.3
Over the past four years (2014-2018), the total annual catch for Fiji’s national longline
fleet has fluctuated between 13,585 to 17,933mt. The highest catch recorded was in
2017, while the 2018 total catch of 14, 372mt was closer to the historical average.
Figure 1. Annual catch [Metric tonnes] trends for Albacore, Bigeye and Yellow fin
2 Sullivan N., Ram-Bidesi V. 2008. Gender issues in tuna fisheries: case studies in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Kiribati. Honiara, Solomon Islands: Forum Fisheries Agency. FFA Report 08/14. 3 Annual report to the Commission Part 1: Information on fisheries, research and statistics. WCPFC-SC15-AR/CCM-07 (2019).
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Stock assessment undertaken by SPC shows that all four major tuna species in the
Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) are not overfished, nor is overfishing occurring.
The Majuro Plot4 below depicts the relative status of the key tuna stocks against the
biological reference point (black lines) indicating that all remain above the Limit
Reference Point (LRP) of 20% of unfished biomass.
An interim Target Reference Point for SP ALB tuna of 56 % of spawning stock biomass
in the absence of fishing, was agreed in December 2018 at the WCPC15 meeting.
While economic conditions improved in recent years, the longevity of these
improvements is unlikely without the implementation of measures to reduce overall
effort/catch in the fishery.
In 2018 Fiji had 955 vessels in its national longline fleet. The licence cap of 60 vessels
authorised to fish in Fiji’s EEZ remained. Of these 60 vessels, 41 vessels fish solely in
Fiji’s EEZ, while 19 vessels fish in both the EEZ and High Seas. There were 26 national
vessels which only fish in the High Seas and the remaining 9 vessels fish in other
countries’ EEZs.
In 2018, seventy percent of fishing took place within Fiji’s waters and 30% in
international waters.
4 Tuna Fishery report card (2019) FFA in collaboration with SPC(https://www.ffa.int/node/1569) 5 Currently (2020) there are 90 vessels
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The national fleet structure for 2014-2018 is shown in the table below.
Fiji National Fleet are categorised as follows:
1. Less than 21m category – These vessels target the fresh sashimi market and
mainly use ice for preserving their catch. They predominantly fish within Fiji’s AW
and TS spending. Each fishing trip is typically one to two weeks.
2. 21m and less than 30m category –Vessels in this category use ice slurry and
freezers to preserve their catch. They mainly fish within Fiji’s EEZ and fishing
trips vary from three weeks to two months per trip. Fresh catches are usually
caught towards the end of the fishing trip.
3. Greater than 30 m category –Vessels within this category mainly fish within Fiji’s
EEZ and outside Fiji’s national jurisdiction, targeting SP ALB. They spend more
than three months on each trip and use freezers to preserve their catch.
2. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
2.1. Objectives
The management objectives of this plan are to:
Sustainably manage Fiji’s offshore fisheries based on the best scientific information available.
Minimise bycatch and the impacts on endangered species
Pursue safeguards to minimise the potential environmental damage from harvesting activities.
Engage with artisanal, subsistence fishers, Industry and the wider community to ensure their participation in the management of the offshore fisheries
Support the effective management of this fishery and meet international obligations by collecting, analysing and sharing data (where appropriate) in a timely manner.
Undertake effective monitoring, control and surveillance measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
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Identify potential impacts of climate change on the offshore fisheries and implement measures to mitigate against any potential negative impacts on the sector.
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2.2. Management Plan Activity Table
OBJECTIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS TIMELINE
1: Sustainably manage Fiji’s offshore fisheries on the best scientific information available.
1.1: Support WCPFC efforts to develop reference points and harvest strategies for key tuna species
1.1.1. Fiji actively engages in regional fisheries negotiations to establish reference points and harvest strategies for key tuna species 1.1.2. Effective participation at WCPFC through well
informed decisions on Fiji’s positions.
1.1.3. Fiji is Chair of the WCPFC SPA Roadmap Working Group
ongoing
1.2: Establish national measures to limit effort on key species.
1.2. Cap Fiji national longline fleet licence targeting tuna at 60 vessels or revised effort levels based on bio economic advice.
2025
1.2.1. Cap Fiji’s fleet licence targeting other pelagic species at set CPUE levels based on best scientific advice.
2025
1.3: Establish national catch limits on key tuna species based on scientific and economic assessment.
1.3. Current combined TAC for SP ALB, BET and YFT is 12,000mt. Of this 12,000mt, the TAC for SP ALB is 7, 294 mt.
2024
2: Minimise bycatch and the impacts on endangered species.
2.1: Adopt WCPFC measures for sharks,
seabirds and sea turtles.
2.1.1. Implement measures and ensure its compliance. December 2020
2.2: Promote the development and use of
environmentally safe and cost-effective
fishing gear and techniques.
2.2.1 Conduct hook-pod trials on seabirds and evaluate their
effectiveness.
2.2.2. iImplement the bycatch safe release guidelines for
sharks, seabirds and turtles.
September 2022
ongoing
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OBJECTIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS TIMELINE
3: Pursue safeguards to minimise the potential environmental damage from harvesting activities.
3.1: Adopt measures to reduce ghost fishing
and marine pollution from fishing vessels.
3.1. Incorporate these measures into licence conditions December 2021
4: Engage with
artisanal, subsistence
fishers, Industry and
the wider community
to ensure their
participation in the
management of the
tuna fisheries.
4.1: Undertake effective consultation and
communication with Industry, inshore
fishers and the wider community.
4.1.1. Conduct engagement through relevant Government
and non-Government agencies, fisheries advisory groups and
the wider community through stakeholder meetings.
4.1.2. Engage widely with community at roadshows and
primary industry shows.
4.1.3. Regular posts on MoF’s website, social media, radio
shows, and media releases.
4.1.4. Conduct awareness and outreach programs for
artisanal and subsistence fishers implemented.
Ongoing
5: Collect, analyse and
share data (where
appropriate) in a
timely manner to
support effective
management of this
fishery and meet
international
obligations.
5.1: Develop effective information
management systems.
5.1. Develop a national IMS to consolidate information in a
central data base.
2023
5.2. Provide timely information and analysis
through internal processes to assist the MoF
decision making processes and to meet
international reporting obligations.
5.2.1 Collect and analyse relevant data to assist decision
making and to meet international reporting obligations.
5.2.2 Prepare reports to assist with decision making and to
meet international reporting obligations within required
deadlines.
Annually
5.3. Sharing of data through Memorandum 5.3. Data shared in accordance with MoU. Ongoing
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OBJECTIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS TIMELINE
of Understanding (MoU)s with other Small
Island Developing States (SIDs)
6: Adopt effective
MCS measures to
prevent deter and
eliminate IUU fishing.
6.1: Undertake active MCS to ensure that
commercial vessels comply with Fisheries
laws.
6.1.1 Continuous monitoring is undertaken on all commercial
vessels.
6.1.2. Joint Patrols undertaken by MoF and RFNS.
Ongoing
6.2: Review and update Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP)s to align with Ministry’s
SDP and OP.
6.2. SOPs reviewed and updated as required Ongoing
6.3: Strengthen National Observer
Programme
6.3. Observer safety provisions strengthened and
implemented.
Ongoing
7: Identify potential
impacts of climate
change on the tuna
fisheries and
implement measures
to mitigate against
any potential negative
impacts on the tuna
sector.
7.1: Work with SPC to undertake national analysis of the potential impacts of climate change on Fiji’s tuna fishery.
7.1. National analysis of Fiji’s tuna fishery undertaken. Any
negative effects identified and mitigated.
Ongoing
7.2: Work with regional organisations to
conduct economic research and analysis on
the means to maximise returns from the
tuna fishery should catches decline due to
climate change
7.2: Economic research and analysis undertaken on national
climate change adaptions for fishing vessels and
recommendations assessed and implemented.
May 2022
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2.3. Management Arrangements
2.3.1. Establishing and Allocating Fishing Rights
Fiji longline fishery is currently managed by a combination of effort and catch controls in
its National waters.
The OFMA 2012 (Part 2, section104, sub section 3) outlines that the Minister may
provide for the establishment of a regime of statutory fishing rights, and in doing so may
make Regulations on the following matters:
(a) the method of applying for a right of access or quota share;
(b) the identification of criteria for determining those eligible to apply for a statutory fishing right;
(c) the nature of a statutory fishing right;
(d) the duration of a statutory fishing right;
(e) the criteria for adjusting the fishing rights allocated from one period to another
due to fluctuations in the availability of the stocks to which the rights relate;
(f) determining whether the statutory fishing right shall be inheritable, leasable,
saleable, or divisible;
(h) the number of rights or quota any person or company may hold at any one
time;
(i) the method of calculation of any quota (which may be expressed as part of
the Total Allowable Catch or the TAC for a particular species); and
(j) the circumstances in which a statutory fishing right may lapse, be reduced, be
suspended, be reallocated or cancelled.
2.3.2. Management limits
Fiji has capped the number of longline licences targeting tuna at 60 for the EEZ. In
addition, there are 12 longline licences for AW and TS for vessels undertaking
exploratory fishing.
There is a combined overall TAC for SP ALB, BET and YFT of 12,000 metric tonnes for
the EEZ, of this 12,000mt, there is a provisional TAC of 7,294 metric tonnes for SP
ALB6
These limits were formulated on the basis of current state of tuna stocks, bio-economic
assessment, extensive stakeholder consultations and consideration of development
opportunities in fisheries sectors.
6 Fiji considers its provision of the SP ALB TAC as an immediate and short-medium term management limit purposely to meet its sub-regional obligations (a proposal under the now dormant Tokelau Arrangement), and in accordance with the Principles and Measures Section 6 (a), (b) and (c) of the OFMA (2012)
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2.3.4. Harvest Strategy
The MoF supports WCPFC efforts to develop reference points and harvest strategies
for key tuna species in the WCPO. In accordance with actions proposed under the
Regional Longline Strategy.
2.3.5. By-catch management
Part 2, section 5 of the Offshore Fisheries Management Regulations 2014, outlines the
restrictions relating to endangered or protected species and Schedule 2B defines what
species are endangered or protected.
Ministry of Fisheries is currently drafting National Plans of Action which draw on CMM,
FAO IPOA and Regional Plan of Actions and related technical guidelines to manage
incidental catch of sharks, turtles and seabirds.
2.4. Licensing
2.4.1. Licence applications
All applications for licenses will be processed in accordance with licensing guidelines
(Attachment 2). These applications are assessed on a number of factors, including
compliance rating, onshore investments, financial records, local crewing levels. Further
details on the criteria used to assess licence applications can be found in attachment 3.
Licence fees are outlined in OFMR 2014 Schedule 7.
The Permanent Secretary may make, amend or revoke allocations for any fishing
activity, in accordance with the provisions of the OFMA 2012 and other legislation.
The guidelines will be subject to annual review considering advice from FFAC.
2.4.2. Fishing on the High Seas
Over the past decade Fiji’s domestic fleet has expanded its operations into the high
seas. This had led to a need to strengthen national fisheries laws to mirror international
obligations and meet Fiji’s flag state responsibilities.
Fiji has also developed a national strategy for fishing vessels operating in Areas Beyond
National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) (2014), which outlines a systematic approach for
implementing the administrative aspects of Fiji fishing vessels operating in ABNJ.
Fiji vessels authorised to fish on the high seas will be monitored to ensure compliance
to National and International laws.
All Fiji flagged vessels licensed or authorised to fish by Fiji, are to land all their catches
in Fiji designated ports, unless subject to third country licencing requirements.
2.5. Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Enforcement
2.5.1. Key Documents
The draft Operational Compliance Strategy (OCS) provides overarching guidance and coordination of fishery compliance activities undertaken by Fiji’s MoF and partner regulatory agencies.
21
The other key document is Fiji’s National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate
IUU.
2.5.2. Logbooks
It is a licence requirement that the Master of a Fishing vessel holding a tuna licence
issued by Fiji MoF adheres to the following reporting conditions as outlined in section 23
of the OFMR 2014.
The operator of a licensed or authorised fishing vessel shall-
(a) Duly complete in the English language, daily records or reports in the form of all-
(i) catch: and
(ii) bycatch by species
Taken in Fiji waters and the high seas;
(b) Ensure that records of all catch and by-catch transhipped or landed are true,
complete and accurate and provided to the Director;
(c) Provide to the Director on the approved forms a final report within 2 days of the
completion of a trip.
2.5.3. E-Monitoring
Fiji has completed a 3-year trial on the use of Electronic Monitoring system (EMS), that
was installed on 50 of its long line vessels under it national fleet. This joint project with
the United Nations for Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) utilized the Global
Environmental Fund (GEF). The system is made up of a 3-camera system that capture
fishing activities on a 24/7-time scale.
At the completion of the project, out of the 780 EM trips a total of 344 trips have been analysed. The average rate of analysis is currently 2 set/haul per day. The EMS programmeshall work in collaboration with the Fiji Observer program and will not replace it. Presently, there needs to be consideration for the Fiji Observer program and the cost of the current EMS equipment. As the tool is being developed to regional standards and is quite costly, the preference is to remain with the current 50 EMS installed vessel in Fiji with observers working more on non-EMS installed vessels and proposed MSC trips for validation purposes. The ultimate aim for the regional approach should be the implementation of either EMS or a stronger observer presence on Distant Water Fishing Nation vessels in the High Seas. The coverage levels that would be the most efficient will need the guidance of the
Science provider (SPC) as it will need to be the most representative. Whilst the
preference is 10% coverage of EMS trips and 20% wet observer coverage is the current
aim for Fiji, the real aim would be the spread across the fleet.
2.5.4 E-Reporting
Fiji is engaged with SPC on the E-reporting (ER) trial [On-Board App] and is currently
facilitated on 5 Fiji National Fleet vessels. This trial is also being facilitated with the Fiji
Observer programme using the Onshore App in its port sampling initiative. These data
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sets are uploaded into the SPC’s TUFMAN 2 database and can be easily extracted
using the SPC DORADO web-reporting tool.
ER contributes to better control of fishing activities, more accurate stock assessment
and sustainable management of marine resources.
The plan is for all Fiji Flagged vessels to adopt ER in the future. It will ensure
consistency in reporting and the paperless submission of real time data will improve
data quality.
2.5.5. Observer programmes
Fiji has both National and Regional Observer Programmes. The national observers are
placed only on domestic vessels that operate exclusively in Fiji’s waters. Regional
observers work on Fijian vessels fishing outside national waters and on other flagged
vessels. In 2018 Fiji National Observer coverage was 32%. Fiji also contributes
observers to sub-regional observer programs such as the US Multilateral Treaty (UST).
There are currently 8 national observers, 37 regional observers and 11 de-briefers, 5
de-briefer assessors, 1 trainer, 1 trainer Assessor, 3 National and 3 Regional – cross
endorsement [(Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission) IATTC / WCPFC].
There are 34 trained Marine Stewardship Certification (MSC) Observers of which 23 are
active.
For the EM program there are 3 National Observers and 7 regional observers, 4
electronic reporting Observers.
At present, the aim of the Fiji observer program is to maintain its current observer
numbers but is moving to upscale them in the field of Debriefer to observer ratios in
addition to training more Assessors and Trainers etc. under the Pacific Islands Regional
Fisheries Observer (PIRFO) certification process. There is presently a need to upscale
the observers also to ensure that they are able to work on MSC vessels, trawlers and
more so, under the WCPFC Cross Endorsement initiative whilst maintaining a presence
on the purse seiner fishing fleet.
2.5.6. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
It is a requirement under section 74 of the OFMA (2012) that an approved Mobile
Transceiver Unit (MTU) is installed, maintained and operating at all times while in Fiji’s
fisheries waters and beyond Fiji’s waters in accordance with fishing licence conditions.
2.5.7. Transhipment
Under section 34 of the OFMR 2014, a vessel may not tranship at sea except in a port
authorised by the Director to an authorised carrier vessel which is in good standing on
the Regional Register. As part of their licence conditions, Fiji vessels cannot tranship on
the high seas and may only tranship in Levuka, Suva and Lautoka.
Transhipping in Fiji waters shall only be authorised for Fiji fishing vessels transhipping
fresh fish, and with an observer on board.
The notification process and obligations for operators intending to tranship are outlined
in section 34 of the OFMR 2014.
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23
The operator of a vessel intending to conduct Transhipment must give 72 hours’ notice
of their intent to Tranship and must provide the required details in the form set out in
Schedule 6I.
2.5.8. Port State Measures
Port State Measures are one of the MCS tools used to combat illegal fishing. In
February 2019, Fiji deposited the instrument of accession to the FAO Agreement on
Port State Measures (PSMA), thereby committing to comply with this binding
international agreement to prevent IUU fishing. By preventing vessels engaged in IUU
fishing from using ports and landing their catch, fishery products derived from IUU
activities are prevented from reaching national and international markets and the
incentives to engage in IUU activities are reduced.
Fiji has obligations under WCPFC 2017-02 to ensure that vessels coming into its ports
comply with regional Port State Measures. Section 76 of the OFMA 2012 and sections
42-49 of the OFMR 2014, outlines national port state controls.
2.5.9. Bunkering
Section 35 of the OFMR 2014 states that bunkering may only occur if authorized by the
Director and with an authorised bunker vessel which is in good standing on the
Regional Register. The operator of a vessel intending to conduct bunkering must give
72 hours’ notice of their intent to bunker and must provide the required details in the
form set out in Schedule 6J and provide full reports on the approved form to the
Director. The intention of these measures is to enable monitoring of bunkering
activities.
2.5.10. Catch Traceability Scheme
The introduction of catch certificates to accompany Fiji’s fish and fishery exports was
created in response to the European Union's IUU fishing regulation. It requires that fish
exports to the EU be accompanied by a catch certificate validated by the competent
authority in the country of origin.
The catch traceability scheme was established in 2012, and also responds to other
international catch certification requirements as they arise. An example of this is the
ICCAT Statistical Document, where Fiji, as the flag State, is required to validate all
catch information provided by the exporter in the certificate.
2.5.11. Boarding and Inspections
Fiji as a Flag State and Port State ratified PSMA to specifically target IUU fishing. This
is conducted through thorough boarding and Inspection of vessels arriving into Fiji’s
designated ports. One hundred percent boarding and inspection is conducted on fishing
vessels coming from outside Fiji Fisheries Waters.
Regulation 43 and 44 of the OFMR 2014 clearly stipulates boarding and Inspection
steps and procedures of foreign and domestic vessels arrival into port.
2.5.12. Sea and aerial Surveillance
The Fiji navy is responsible for undertaking national marine surveillance and
enforcement in collaboration with the MoF. Regional scale operations are carried out in
24
collaboration with the QUADs (USA/NZ/AUS/FR). These regional exercises involve
member countries under the FFA membership and cover three major operations such
as the Operation Kurukuru, Island Chief and Tui Moana, which have an aerial
surveillance component. In addition, FFA provides aerial surveillance upon requests
from the government of Fiji.
During 2019, two patrol boats were engaged in sea surveillance for a period of 120
patrol day.
2.6. Penalties Schedule 11 of the OFMR 2014 outlines a list of offences and the associated fixed
penalties as well as the section or regulation to which the offence applies.
2.7. Monitoring and Evaluation of the Plan The Implementation Plan (Appendix 1) outlines the key activities in the OFMDP and
their associated times lines and status.
2.8. Review of the Plan The OFMDP is reviewed on an annual basis by the OFMD on behalf of the Director of
Fisheries. The results of this review will be communicated to the senior executives of
the Ministry.
A mid-term review will be conducted in year 3 of the OFMDP and a report outlining the
results of this review will be provided in an information paper to Cabinet.
3. TUNA INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
3.1. Background
The fisheries industry is the third largest natural resource based sector in the Fijian
economy, contributing around 1.8 percent to GDP and 7.0 percent of Fiji’s total export
earnings. The government policy towards the fisheries sector has largely been focused
on encouraging private sector investment, providing regulatory and resource-
management functions and adherence to regional and international commitments.
The main commercial tuna species include high value BET and YFT and lower valued
ALB. The high value commodities that are largely destined for the Japanese and USA
market in the form of fresh and chilled tuna (sashimi market) and loin fillets. Frozen ALB
are generally sold to local cannery or sent to PagoPago, American Samoa.
In 2018, a total of 12,798 mt of tuna was unloaded. 10,819 was processed and exported
with ALB products making a total of 72% [7,764mt] of Fiji’s total exports. BET tuna at
5% [590 mt] and YFT tuna products at 16% [1,741mt] with other species making up the
last 7% [724 mt]; whilst1, 979 mt was sold locally. Tuna like non-target species
continue to be sold at local processor outlets with a portion sold as exports where the
market is available.
The offshore fishery will continue to be a major source of economic value. Priorities for
Offshore Fisheries under the SDP include having a sustainable and profitable tuna
25
industry, developing a regional hub for processing tuna and having a sustainable market
for bycatch from the longline fishery.7
3.1. Objectives
The development objectives of this plan are:
Promote growth in Onshore and Offshore fisheries developments thereby
maximising long-term economic and social benefits that sustain livelihood of local
populations.
Encourage investment and employment opportunities for Fijians in fisheries
sector. Ensure broad participation by Fijians in activities related to the
sustainable use of fisheries resources.
The Development Objectives will be addressed via the strategies and accompanying
indicators as set out in Table 3.1.1.
7 Fiji Annual Part 1 2019 Report to the WCPFC Science Committee.
26
3.1.1. Development Plan Activity Table
OBJECTIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS Timelines
1: Promote
growth in
Onshore and
Offshore fisheries
developments
thereby
maximizing long-
term economic
and social
benefits that
sustain livelihood
of local
populations.
1.1: Give consideration to extending the zone set aside
for artisanal and small scale fishers.
1.2: Review of area closed to commercial fishing
vessels undertaken
2024
1.3: Provide ongoing regular training and auditing to
ensure Fiji Competent Authority (CA-IUU) remains
active and compliant.8
1.3: Regular training and auditing undertaken
Ongoing
1.4: Introduce digital traceability systems to enhance
traceability and catch documentation.
1.5: Expand MSC certification to the entire Fiji domestic
longline fleet.
1.4: Assessment of digital traceability options
undertaken and implemented to improve
traceability and catch documentation.
1.5: Entire Fiji longline fleet is MSC certified.
2024
2. Encourage
investment and
employment
opportunities for
Fiji citizens in
fisheries sector.
Ensure broad
participation by
2.1: Review the current fisheries investment strategy
and update where required.
2.1: Investment strategy reviewed and updated. 2022
2.2: Review fees including transhipments in order to
entice investors and fishing boats back and regularly
use Fiji designated ports.
2.2: Fees reviewed and new fee schedule
implemented.
2021
2.3 Establish Fiji as a processing hub 2.3: Strategy to establish processing hub
developed and implemented.
2024
8 The Ministry of Health is responsible for the operation of the Seafood Safety CA
27
OBJECTIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS Timelines
Fiji citizens in
activities related to
the sustainable use
of fisheries
resources.
2.4Fish supply to Fiji processing plants increased
through agreements with neighbouring States to have
their licensed vessels supply plants.
2.4: Agreements negotiated including provisions
for Fiji to assist with monitoring vessels landing
catch in Fiji, including port inspections and catch
traceability.
2024
2.5: Provide incentives to both fishers and processors
to encourage
landing of whole fish for local
processing and downstream value addition.
2.5: Incentives identified and volume
of fish processed in Fiji increased.
2023
2.6: Develop a specialised fisheries course for the local
fishing industry in accordance with the requirements
of The International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Fishing
Vessel Personnel (STCW-f).
2.6: Specialised fisheries course established at the
FMA, including established career paths for fishing
crew.
Ongoing
2.7: Upgrade existing port and wharf
Facilities and establish new facilities.
2.7: MoF to work with FPCL
and MoIT to
Develop and upgrade infrastructure.
2024
2.8: Improve working conditions for
crew on fishing vessels licensed by
Fiji.
2.8.1: Vessel safety is
maintained to agreed standards and
working conditions on-board fishing vessels meet
the requirements of the
Crewing MTC.
2.8.2: Licencing instruments contain prohibition of
forced and child labour on fishing vessels.
2020
2.9: Ensure vessels authorised by Fiji to operate
outside of the EEZ meet the minimum requirements
on the design, construction, equipment, and
inspection of fishing vessels set out in the CTA.
2.9: Fiji implements the provisions of the CTA. 2022
28
OBJECTIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS Timelines
2.10.Gender equity promoted in the workplace
throughout the fisheries sector in Fiji
2.10.1. MoF engages with the tuna industry to
identify opportunities to encourage and promote
women’s participation in this industry and to
increase the number of women in senior roles.
2.10.2 The MoF in partnership with other agencies
undertakes collection and analysis of data on
women in fisheries activities to inform policies,
programs and resources in this area.
2.10.3 Achievements of women in the fisheries
sector promoted through MoF media releases,
website and social media.
Ongoing
29
Appendix 1 Implementation Plan
Implementation steps
(What will be done? Tasks to
achieve the strategy))
Responsibilities
(Who will do it?)
Resources
(Funding / Timing /
People / Materials)
Timeline
(When will this be
completed?
Day/month/year)
Risks
(Potential delays / reasons
for not achieving step)
Administrative
Internal / external staff notified
(those consulted)
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials
FFA
Inshore and Offshore staff
will be notified on the
outcome of the plan.
October, 2020
Summary / brief explanation of
policy (staff / stakeholders)
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials
FFA
Summary report of the
plan is prepared and
presented to staff and
stakeholders.
October, 2020
Final copy of policy / plan with
Ministers signature
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials
OFMDP has to go through
cabinet approval
December 2020
Minister’s availability
Delay in tabling to Cabinet
for approval
Uploaded to website Media Liaison officer OFMDP readily accessible
on Ministerial website.
December, 2020
Public announcements /
awareness / education
Media Liaison Officer,
OFMD Officials
OFMD officials attends
radio talkback shows and
discusses the plan.
January, 2021 Time and funding to
arrange schedules for the
awareness programs.
30
TUNA MANAGEMENT
Objective 1: Ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Strategy 1.1 Support WCPFC efforts to
develop reference points and
harvest strategies for key tuna
species
Senior Executives,
OFMD officials
SPC, FFA to assist Fiji in
leading the SP Albacore
Roadmap.
2020 Fiji will be chairing
the SP ALB WG
Achieving agreement on
HCRs across the board.
Strategy 1.2 Establish national measures to
limit effort on key tuna species
Senior Executives SPC, FFA will continue to
provide technical
assistance on future bio-
economic modelling
works, and facilitate
consultations with
stakeholders
2024 Fishing industry may not
agree with
recommendations on the
effort levels.
Strategy 1.3 Establish national catch limits
on key tuna species based on
scientific and economic
assessment
Senior Executives
SPC, FFA will continue to
provide technical
assistance on future bio-
economic modelling
works, and facilitate
consultations with
stakeholders
2024 Fishing industry may not
agree with
recommendations on the
catch limits of key tuna
species
Objective 2: Minimize bycatch and the impacts on endangered species.
Strategy 2.1 Develop National Plans of
Action for endangered species.
Senior Executives
OFMD Official
Research division
OFD to revise existing
draft NPOA for shark and
submit to senior
management and vetting
by SGOs and cabinet
October , 2020
Completion by December,
Delay getting vetted
through Government
approval process.
Delay in industry
31
approvals.
2020
consultation.
Fisheries Research to
revise existing draft NPOA
for turtles.
Fisheries research to work
on the draft and submit to
senior management and
vetting by SGOs and
cabinet approvals.
1st draft by June 2020
Completion by March 2021
Delay getting vetted
through Government
approval process.
Delay in industry
consultation.
cabinet approvals.
Strategy 2.1.2 Promote the development and
use of environmentally safe and
cost-effective fishing gear and
techniques.
OFMD Officials
Tuna Industry
Secure Funding
Identify the vessels for
the trial.
Funding obtained by
December 2020
Vessel secured March 2021
Implementation of gear
trials by June 2021
Completion of hook pod
trials by June 2023
Failure to identify a funding
partner.
Failure to secure a suitable
vessel.
Objective 3: Pursue safeguards to minimize the potential environmental damage from tuna harvesting activities.
Adopt measures to reduce
ghost fishing and marine
Senior Executives Incorporated into licence December 2020 Compliance to this licence
32
Strategy 3.1 pollution from fishing vessels.
OFMD Officials conditions
condition
Enforcement of this licence
condition
Objective 4: Engage with artisanal, subsistence fishers and local communities through Industry, Inshore Divisions within the Ministry of Fisheries
Strategy 4.1 Undertake effective
consultation and
communication with
Industry, inshore fishers
and the wider community
Respective Divisions within
MoF
Principal media officer
Consultation with relevant
ministries, communities.
Awareness programs to be
conducted. Charts,
pamphlets to be
distributed to communities
on Ministry’s role, vision
and mission. And activities.
Ongoing
Funding to carry out
awareness programs to
communities.
Objective 5: Collect, analyze and share data (where appropriate) in a timely manner to support the effective management of this fishery and meet
international obligations.
Strategy 5.1 Develop effective
information management
systems.
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials
Information Technology
Unit
NZ MPI funded and
develop IMS System
2024 On-going consultation
Strategy 5.2 Provide timely information
and analysis to assist the
MoF decision making
processes and to meet
international reporting
obligations.
OFMD officials Fiji Annual Part 1 Report
Fiji Annual Part 2 report
Annual Catch Estimate
Fish not fish report
Annually Timely availability of
accurate data
33
FAO related reports
Strategy 5.3 Sharing of data through
MoUs with other SIDs
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials
MoFA
Liaise with SIDs and
develop MoUs to share
information relating to
observer, IUU port related
activities.
Ongoing
National requirements take
priority.
Objective 6: Adopt effective MCS measures to prevent deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
Strategy 6.1 Undertake active MCS to
ensure that commercial
vessels comply with
Fisheries laws.
OFMD Officials OFMD Enforcement
officers to Carry out Sea,
land and air surveillance
supported by FRNS and
FFA.
Observer placement on Fiji
vessels to act as
compliance tool.
Ongoing Lack of funding/
enforcement officers to
carry out unscheduled MCS
related activities.
Lack of training for
Enforcement officers in
areas such as investigation
and prosecution processes.
Strategy 6.2 Review and update SOPs OFMD Officials OFMD officers review SOPs
based on changes in
operations carried out by
them to align with the
Ministry’s SDP and OP.
Ongoing Overlap of duties
Funding for external audit
process
Strategy 6.3 Strengthen national
observer programme
OFMD Officials SPC facilitate the observer
trainings to demonstrate
effective fish /bycatch
handling practices,
ensuring vessels are
compliant to relevant
Ongoing Insufficient funding for
observer program.
Observer safety and
welfare.
34
CMMs.
SPC to provide advanced
Debriefer training, train the
trainers, cross
endorsement, IFIMS
Training
Objective 7: Identify potential impacts of climate change on the tuna fisheries and implement measures to mitigate against any potential negative impacts on
the tuna sector.
Strategy 7.1 Work with SPC to
undertake national analysis
of the potential impacts of
climate change on Fiji’s
tuna fishery.
OFMD officials
MoE
MoFA
Assist SPC in gathering
climate change related
information and data.
SPC to compile and submit
report to senior executives
Ongoing Appropriate data available
to feed into climate change
models.
SPC priority focus on other
national mitigation and
adaptation measures
rather the tuna fishery.
Strategy 7.2 Work with regional
organizations to conduct
economic research and
analysis on the means to
maximize returns from the
tuna fishery should catches
decline due to climate
change.
OFMD Officials FFA, SPC to assist in
compiling economic
research and analysis
related reports and present
to senior executives.
May, 2022
Reliant on Industry to
provide accurate in-
confidence financial and
economic data.
TUNA INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Objective 1: Promote growth in Onshore and Offshore fisheries developments thereby maximizing long-term economic and social benefits that sustain
35
livelihood of local populations.
Strategy 1.1 Deploy additional
anchored FADs for use by
small scale fishers
Regional Offices SPC to assist in deploying
the FADS in areas identified
by regional offices.
2021 Obtaining funds for
purchasing of FADs
materials and identifying
areas for deployment.
Managing of FADs.
Strategy 1.2 Give consideration to
extending the zone set
aside for artisanal and
small scale fishers.
Senior executives
OFMD officials
Senior executives to
identify the area for zone
extending and submitting
for cabinet approval
2024
Lack of strong scientific/
socio-economic
information to provide
justification for the zoning
Strong opposition from
Industry stakeholder
Strategy 1.3 Provide ongoing regular
training and auditing to
ensure Fiji CA -IUU remains
active and compliant.
OFMD Officials
FFA
OFMD officials to carry out
boarding inspection
training and training on
traceability, catch
documentation processes
to ensure industry is
compliant.
FFA continues to provide
capacity building trainings.
Ongoing Lack of human resources
carry out traceability
works.
Risk of increasing workload
as other importing
countries increases their
IUU traceability
requirements.
Strategy 1.4 Introduce digital OFMD Officials Digital traceability systems 2024 Lack of funding to Purchase
36
traceability systems to
enhance traceability and
catch documentation.
is introduced to enhance
traceability and catch
documentation and ease
work for OFMD staff
and develop the Digital
Traceability System.
Strategy 1.5 Expand MSC certification to
the entire Fiji domestic
longline fleet.
senior executives
OFMD staff
vessel operators
Continue to encourage
theIndustry to get certified
2024 Financial constrain
restricting companies to
get their vessels MSC
certified.
Commitment from Vessel
operators to obtain
certification.
Objective 2: Encourage investment and employment opportunities for Fiji citizens in fisheries sector. Ensure broad participation by Fiji citizens in activities
related to the sustainable use of fisheries resources.
Strategy 2.1 Review the current
fisheries investment
strategy and update where
required.
Senior Executives,
Senior OFMD officials
Line Ministries.
Recognize areas where
changes in fisheries
investment strategy is
needed and liaise with line
ministries for relevant
updates.
2022 Processes involved to
change and or amend
investment strategy may
take time.
Political will to implement
changes.
Strategy 2.2 Review fees including
transhipments in order to
entice investors and fishing
boats back and regularly
use Fiji designated ports.
OFMD Officials
FRCS
MoE
Industry
OFMD Officials, Industry
and line Ministries to
discuss the review of
transhipment fees and look
at other potentials ways to
bring foreign vessels to
2021 Negotiations and
agreement to reduce or
eliminate transhipment
fees may take time.
37
Fiji’s port.
Strategy 2.3 Establish Fiji as a
processing hub
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials,
Line Ministries
Strategy to establish
processing hub developed
and implemented.
2024 Funding for development.
Raw material for
processing.
Strategy 2.4 Fish supply to Fiji
processing plants increased
through agreements with
neighbouring States to
have their licensed vessels
supply plants.
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials,
Line Ministries
Negotiation works to be
done with other
neighbouring states to
reach an agreement for
their vessels to supply fish
to Fiji’s processing plants.
2024 Neighbouring states may
be reluctant to send their
vessels to Fiji if the costs of
operations remains high.
Strategy 2.5 Provide incentives to both
fishers and processors to
encourage
landing of whole fish for
local
Processing and
downstream value
addition.
Senior Executives
OFMD Officials
Engage industry in
consultations to identify
potential incentives
for local
Processing and
downstream value
addition.
2021 In Availability of resources
and lack of technical
expertise.
Incentives not supported
by finance and treasury
officials.
Strategy 2.6 Develop a specialized
fisheries course for the
local fishing industry in
accordance with the
requirements of STCW-f.
OFMD Officials
FMA
Assist FMA in designing
programs and courses to
be taught.
Ongoing Adequate funding for FMA
to facilitate the courses.
Trained personnel move to
other employment in the
Maritime sector.
Strategy 2.7 Upgrade existing port and Senior executives Liaise with Ports and other 2024 Availability of funding and
38
wharf
Facilities and establish new
facilities.
Line Ministries,
FPCL
relevant authorities to
decide on options for
upgrading and or
establishing new port/
wharf facilities.
space for expansion and
development of new
facilities.
Meeting standards for
market access.
Strategy 2.8 Improve working
conditions for
crew on fishing vessels
licensed by
Fiji.
OFMD Officials
FFA
vessel operators
Drafting of policy on the
safety of crews on fishing
vessels including safe
working conditions.
Consultation with Ministry
of Employment
Productivity and Industrial
Relations (MoEPIR) and
Fishing Industry.
2020 Capacity for the Industry to
meet requirements for
safety of crew and working
condition on their fishing
vessels.
Human and Institution
Capacity to enforce the
labour standards.
Strategy 2.9 Ensure vessels authorized
by Fiji to operate outside of
the EEZ meet the minimum
requirements on the
design, construction,
equipment, and inspection
of fishing vessels set out in
the Cape town Agreement.
OFMD Officials
MSAF
Fishing Industry
Consultation work with
MSAF and Industry on the
minimum requirements on
the design, construction,
equipment, and inspection
of fishing vessels fishing
outside of Fiji’s EEZ.
2022 Capacity for the Industry to
meet requirements to
upgrade their vessels as
per the required standards.
Strategy 2.10 Gender equity promoted in
the workplace throughout
the fisheries sector in Fiji
MOF
Fishing Industry,
Encouraging and
empowering more women
to be involved in fishing
Ongoing Not seen as a priority by
stakeholders.
39
industry
The ministry in
consultation with industry
will promote gender
equality and equity.