Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems

In addition, a representative of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) discussed management of the Fiji longline fishery in the context of regional approaches to management.

 

Following the presentations, discussions primarily focused on the Fiji fishing industry’s concerns over the number of fishing vessels operating within Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while discussions in the afternoon expanded to include some consideration of more regional approaches.

 

It was decided that the Fiji Department of Fisheries (with the implicit support of the industry), FFA and SPC would work during 2011 to update the 2004 economic analysis of the Fiji longline fishery. While a range of options for managing the fishery were discussed, industry representatives preferred to keep the current method of limiting the number of fishing licences. Any potential increase in the number of licences was strongly opposed by the industry, and it was agreed that representatives from the Fiji Government and the fishing industry would meet in the following weeks to discuss this matter.

 

A need for subregional discussions with Solomon Islands and Vanuatu was noted, given the high proportion of albacore catches taken in the area to the west of Fiji’s EEZ. The Melanesian Spearhead Group was suggested as a forum to start those discussions.

 

Closely linked to the meeting, plans for the development of the Fiji tuna management plan included those for two or three further meetings this year, with the plan to be completed by the end of 2011.

 

For more information, please contact Graham Pilling, SPC Fisheries Scientist.

Last Updated on Friday, 30 November 2012 09:37
 

 


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