There are ongoing discussions to bolster the tuna supply to the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) based on Ovalau Island, as Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu detailed during a recent briefing to Parliament. The negotiations, which have included meetings as recent as July, aim to introduce both longliner and purse seine vessels into the fishing fleet, with offshore licenses being explored to allow operations within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya posed questions regarding the government’s efforts to enhance tuna supply, emphasizing concerns over labeling practices and the implications for Fiji’s image in the fish market. In response, Minister Bainivalu confirmed that efforts are being made to secure favorable access agreements for Fiji-flagged vessels, allowing them to utilize a preferential vessel day scheme while processing fish from local EEZs at the PAFCO plant in Levuka.
Additionally, discussions have drawn interest from neighboring countries, including Tuvalu and Kiribati, which are both members of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement controlling a significant portion of the global tuna supply. Bainivalu has noted that engaging with these nations is critical for Fiji’s strategy to become a regional tuna processing hub, which aligns with ongoing regional efforts toward collaboration and sustainable fisheries management.
Fiji’s proactive approach includes recent achievements in securing sustainable fishing practices through regional cooperation, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the Pacific tuna industry. In light of previous challenges faced by PAFCO, particularly concerning albacore tuna supplies, the government’s initiatives signify a hopeful trajectory for both the fishing sector and local economies reliant on these vital resources.
Overall, the discussions reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing tuna supply while promoting sustainable fishing practices, offering a promising outlook for Fiji’s fisheries and broader economic development.