Ministry of Fisheries Strategic Development Plan 2019-2029.

The Ministry of Fisheries Strategic Development Plan is a national policy covering the period between 2019 and 2029. The mission of the Ministry of Fisheries is to sustain, manage and protect Fiji's fisheries resources. This policy focuses on offshore and coastal (inshore) fisheries and aquaculture. It lays down strategies for offshore and coastal fisheries, aquaculture and quality.
The legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks will be developed and the compliance with rules and restrictions will be enforced to enable and support sustainable fisheries. The partnership with the private sector will be strengthened to increase fisheries contribution to GDP. Science, data management and research will be applied in fisheries management and conservation. The management and protection of species will be strengthened to ensure food security and maximize economic value from the fisheries. The engagement and communication of the Ministry with the communities, industry and NGOs will be increased to generate national alignment. Institutional capacity will be enhanced to ensure the effectiveness and quality in the execution of its services.
As the major source of economic value, the offshore fisheries will be developed to have a sustainable and profitable tuna industry, to be a regional hub for processing, and to have sustainable market for offshore non-tuna species. In this regard, the Ministry's strategic priorities are improving its service delivery through technology, developing hook to fork traceability, and reducing the cost of doing business for tuna long line industry.
Coastal fisheries management will be strengthened to sustain its benefits for communities in terms of food security and local employment. The use of Marine Protected Areas will be incorporated to ensure that coastal communities can derive sustainable income from marine aquaculture initiatives and access to fish aggregating devices. The Ministry will increase coastal fishery program collaboration with NGOs and develop joint venture initiatives with the private sector. A robust licensing system and species management plans will be developed.
The Ministry will support the aquaculture sector to stimulate large and small scale production. Sustainable production of tilapia and shrimps and their supply to both local and export markets will be promoted. The legal and policy frameworks and robust biosecurity framework will be developed.