Ministry of Fisheries Strategic Development Plan 2024- 2028.

The mission of the Ministry of Fisheries is to sustain, manage and protect Fiji's fisheries resources. The Ministry gives efforts to make an even greater contribution to improving the lives of fishing communities and further enhancing their contribution to the development of Fiji as a nation. This Plan focuses on three key fisheries: offshore, coastal (inshore), and aquaculture. It lays down strategies with the aim of building, developing and maintaining Fiji's sustainable fisheries sector for the present and future generations, taking into account the challenges, such as the impacts of climate change.
Offshore fishery will be developed by having a transparent, sustainable, and profitable tuna industry; modernizing fleet and supporting for EEZ, ABNJ, and Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations' waters; strengthening Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) to reduce the cost of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; serving as a regional hub for tuna longline fishing vessels processing and marine servicing cluster; creating sustainable market access through Marine Stewardship Council certification of the remaining 30% of the fleet; and facilitating administrative processes; providing efficient service and support to the fishing industry for its continued growth; conducting research and development into commercializing non-tuna species; and providing incentive to attract foreign and local investors into the offshore fisheries sector.
Coastal fishery management will be strengthened to effectively manage and inventory coastal resources and ensure their long-term sustainability, social inclusivity, and economic viability. Strong governance of coastal resource use will be promoted. Adherence to certification standards and relevant criteria of coastal resource use will be strengthened. The contribution of coastal fisheries for a sustainable and inclusive economy will be improved. High-valued commodities will be identified through Public-Private Partnerships. Priority will be given to strengthen food security and to improve livelihoods and income generation whilst ensuring improved and strengthened MCS collaboration with resource owners. Enabling and economically viable local aquatic foods will be promoted to enhance nutritional value intake for coastal and inland communities.
Aquaculture sector will be developed by promoting farmers to produce and supply to local and export markets, with a special emphasis on tilapia, shrimps and prawns. The infrastructure, hatchery techniques, supply chain, and value addition will be improved via capacity building and engagement with relevant experts. A robust biosecurity framework will be developed. Farmer clusters will be organized by diversified commodities based on geographical location. Three Public-Private Partnerships will be established for the mass production of selected aquaculture commodities.
Research-based activities will be coordinated between relevant institutions through a multidisciplinary approach. A centralized national research database will be established, and scientific data and information on species of interest will be collected. Priority will be given to the areas of existing gaps to provide the most updated scientific knowledge. Research will be conducted on culture of high valued marine species. Evidence-based decision-making will be supported for the management and conservation of marine resources. In order to deliver consistent quality, this Plan focuses on quality in the processes, in the execution of our processes, in policy framework, in service delivery, and in the human resources. The Ministry will improve the capacity of all fisheries staff and invest in them by providing them with the necessary training, tools, and resources to carry out assigned duties effectively and foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within the Ministry.