Discussions are underway to strengthen the tuna supply for the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO), situated on Ovalau Island, as outlined by Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu during a recent parliamentary briefing. These negotiations, which included meetings as recently as July, seek to integrate both longliner and purse seine vessels into the fishing fleet, while also considering offshore licenses to facilitate operations within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya raised questions about the government’s plans to boost tuna supply, particularly concerning labeling practices and their potential impact on Fiji’s reputation in the fish market. In response, Minister Bainivalu assured that measures are being taken to establish favorable access agreements for Fiji-flagged vessels. This strategy aims to enable these vessels to benefit from a preferential vessel day scheme while processing tuna sourced from local EEZs at the PAFCO facility in Levuka.
Moreover, the discussions have garnered the interest of neighboring nations, including Tuvalu and Kiribati, both of which are members of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement that governs a significant part of the global tuna supply. Bainivalu emphasized that collaboration with these countries is essential for Fiji’s ambition to become a key regional tuna processing hub, aligning with ongoing efforts for sustainable fisheries management.
Fiji’s proactive stance also includes recent successes in promoting sustainable fishing practices through regional partnerships, thereby bolstering its competitive position in the Pacific tuna sector. Given PAFCO’s historical challenges related to albacore tuna supplies, the government’s initiatives indicate a positive trend for both the fishing industry and the local economies that depend on these essential resources.
In essence, these discussions illustrate a comprehensive strategy focusing on enhancing tuna supply while advocating for sustainable fishing practices, presenting an optimistic outlook for Fiji’s fisheries and overall economic growth.