Fiji’s domestic fisheries sector, despite being well-developed, continues to face challenges that hinder its full potential. Issues such as gaps in value-adding, processing, and sustainable stock management have prompted the Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA) to introduce six social policy guidelines aimed at addressing these long-standing hurdles.
These guidelines focus on critical areas, including child and forced labor, employment contracts, occupational health and safety at sea, freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as corporate responsibility and transparency. The objective is to strengthen industry standards and ensure that fisheries development is both responsible and socially sustainable.
Mere Lakeba, the Country Director for Conservation International-Fiji, highlighted the importance of these policies in light of the challenges faced by the fisheries sector. “It is quite surprising that having a mature domestic fishing sector, there’s still an opportunity to build awareness and understand how many employees are engaged in this sector,” she stated. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of workforce dynamics and the broader implications of fisheries practices.
Lakeba noted that the policy would focus on three key pillars: environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social performance. Conservation International will collaborate with the FFIA to develop interventions that promote these aspects within the industry, marking a significant move towards a more sustainable future for Fiji’s fisheries.
Radika Kumar, President of FFIA, emphasized that the awareness of social issues in the fisheries sector has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Social issues on fishing vessels only came to the regional limelight during the pandemic when numerous virtual discussions, led by SPC, took place,” Kumar commented, indicating that this increased attention has led to a broader engagement with various stakeholders.
While an official implementation date for the policies has yet to be announced, the FFIA is committed to working with Conservation International and other partners to trial these guidelines after a soft launch. This collaborative effort signifies a proactive approach in ensuring the long-term sustainability and social responsibility of Fiji’s fishing industry. The hope is that through these measures, the fisheries sector can better support its workforce and improve overall industry health, paving the way for a more robust economy tied to responsible marine resource management.