Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries, Alitia Bainivalu, has welcomed a major regional breakthrough on the sustainable management of South Pacific Albacore, calling it a “historic milestone” for the country’s tuna industry.
“This is a landmark achievement, a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect that will anchor the sustainable management of our tuna stocks for generations to come,” Bainivalu told Parliament Monday.
The announcement follows the 24th Regional Forum Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Niue from 22-24 July, where Pacific nations agreed to a proportional allocation of South Pacific Albacore among Forum Fisheries Agency members. This comes after nearly two decades of scientific debate and negotiations.
Bainivalu emphasised that albacore tuna is the backbone of Fiji’s offshore fisheries sector and a key economic driver.
“Due to Fiji’s geographical location, the Albacore stocks primarily dominate Fiji’s tuna catch within our waters; hence, the management of the albacore species is crucial for the long-term viability of our domestic long-line fishery,” she said.
The minister said the tuna industry has consistently provided formal employment to hundreds of Fijians, especially women in processing roles, and is central to the government’s broader economic and social development strategy.
“This employment is a catalyst for social development, actively supporting government policies on decentralization, the empowerment of women, and private-sector growth,” she said.
Bainivalu also outlined Fiji’s strategic plan to position itself as a regional processing hub, not just a raw exporter, targeting high-value sashimi markets in Japan and the U.S.
In the government’s 2025-2026 budget, $24.9 million(US$12,45 million) has been earmarked to modernise and strengthen the fisheries sector.
Looking ahead, Bainivalu said Fiji is well-positioned to lead further regional negotiations and will implement management procedures to maintain a healthy albacore stock.
“The shared South Pacific Albacore stock is assessed as healthy, not overfished, and is simultaneously experiencing increasing fishing pressure,” she said.
“Our position is unique, and we must defend and stand by it!”
She also stated the Government’s vision and diplomacy had delivered a lasting legacy for Fiji’s fisheries sector.
“This is a new dawn for the management of our shared South Pacific Albacore stock,” Bainivalu said.
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