Fiji calls for restructure of the tuna industry in the Pacific

Fiji’s Fisheries Minister has called for a total restructure of the Tuna industry in the Pacific region.

While addressing the Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi today, Osea Naiqamu says challenges facing the Tuna industry requires tough questioned to be asked.

A recent World Bank study estimates the catch value of tuna in our region at US$2.4 billion. 

“The questions that need to be asked are; what portion of this value is realised within our region? Are we only going to sell access rights and fishing days or do we need to also support our people, our industries to also go into fishing? What about processing of these catches within our region? How can the Pacific island countries, as custodians of the resource also participate in fishing, processing and trading of the Tuna resources?” Naiqamu asked.

He said the current challenges facing the world tuna fishing industry, many of whom are experiencing lower catch rates, paying higher access fees and selling their catches at depressed world prices.

“Maybe it is time for a restructure of the whole industry. Maybe we need to reduce the number of distant water fishing nation’s vessels that fish in our region as well as the overall number of fleets,” he stressed.

“It is indeed timely for Fiji to be hosting the 5th Pacific Tuna Forum as being the centre of the Pacific, we are able to have the participation of all the Pacific Island states as well as representatives from major fishing and processing industries and key stake holders.

“We are therefore confident though this conference you will all contribute to positive outcomes for the sustainable management and development of tuna resources in our respective communities and countries, and throughout the Pacific island region,”  he said.

“While we acknowledge the need for us to share this resource with the rest of the world, it is important that all Pacific island states, together with distant water fishing nations agree to the fundamental principles of adopting and implementing sustainable fishing methods and practices,” said Naiqamu.

The conference focuses on tuna management issues in the Pacific region, markets and marketing opportunities for tuna products, international trade and trade barriers, research and development of new tuna industry development in the region, among others.

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