Foreign fleets use Fiji as a base of operations and target highly sought after species like albacore tuna, states a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
The report, Electronic Monitoring in Tuna Fisheries, stated albacore tuna found in the South Pacific was of great importance to the long line fishery in Fiji.
“Fiji is rather unique in the region as the longline fleet is a domestic, unsubsidised fleet, consisting mostly of locally owned vessels,” the report read.
“However, albacore is also targeted by foreign fleets that fish in the high seas between and among EEZs (exclusive economic zones) in the region, using Fiji as a convenient base of operations in many cases.”
The report stated efforts at reducing the presence of foreign fleets on the high seas had not been successful.
“Fiji and other Pacific island countries have attempted this through the WCPFC (Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission).
“Many foreign fleets operate with fuel (and other) subsidies provided by their governments, which makes it challenging for domestic fleets to compete on a level playing field.”
