The Fiji Navy is strengthening its support role in fisheries surveillance following concerns from maritime island communities over overfishing and illegal fishing activities in Fiji waters.
Navy Commander Captain Timoci Natuva said the Navy continued to work closely with the Ministry of Fisheries to support monitoring and surveillance operations.
“We support the Ministry of Fisheries in terms of surveillance,” he said, while reiterating that enforcement authority remained with the ministry. As you know, fisheries lead on this.”
Captain Natuva said naval assets were being deployed to improve monitoring coverage and help identify fishing hot spots within Fiji waters.
“We have the assets to identify hot spots within Fijian waters,” he said.
He said expanding engagement with maritime communities would be a key focus this year, particularly in outer island areas.
“One of our aims this year is to strengthen community engagement, so we can better understand the challenges faced by people living in the islands.”
He said improved information flow would help the Navy deploy vessels and small boats more effectively when responding to illegal fishing reports.
