Fiji has become the first Pacific Island country to commit to implementing the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) Standard, a move the Government says will strengthen accountability, fisheries management and protection of the country’s marine resources.
Fiji Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FiTI Executive Director Sven Biermann in Rome, where she attended the 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO COFI37).
Bainivalu said the agreement marks an important step towards full implementation of the FiTI Standard, which aims to make fisheries information more accessible, credible and easier for the public to understand.
“For our Government, having reliable and verified fisheries data will help us make better decisions,” Bainivalu said.
She said better information would strengthen Fiji’s ability to assess fish stocks, negotiate fairer fishing access agreements and tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
“Good information means we can better protect Fiji’s interests and our marine resources,” she said.
The Minister said greater transparency would also give coastal communities and the wider public a clearer picture of activities taking place in Fiji’s waters.
Information on commercial fishing activities, catch allocations and other fisheries activities would progressively become more accessible, she said.
Bainivalu said this was particularly important for small-scale fishers, seafood workers, women in fisheries and community leaders whose livelihoods and food security depend on marine resources.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen confidence in Fiji’s fisheries sector among investors and international partners by providing greater certainty around rules and fisheries information.
Bainivalu said transparency would support Fiji’s position as a responsible and sustainable seafood-producing country and help meet international commitments, including the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Fiji will also work with FiTI to strengthen its Fisheries Information System and improve the organisation and consistency of fisheries data.
This includes information on vessel registrations, fishing permits, marine resource assessments and fisheries revenues, which can progressively be made available through public platforms.
Bainivalu said the initiative ultimately comes down to building trust in how Fiji’s marine resources are managed.
“Our people should have confidence in how our marine resources are managed. Our fishers should know that their livelihoods are being protected. And Government must have the right information to make decisions that serve Fiji’s interests.
“By taking this step, Fiji becomes the first Pacific Island nation to commit to the FiTI Standard,” she said.
Bainivalu said she was proud to be part of the initiative, describing it as an important step towards a fisheries sector that is more open, accountable, sustainable and beneficial to Fijians.
