FOOD and Agriculture Organization (FAO) deputy director-general Laurent Thomas heaped praise on the Natawarau community, Ba, for their sustainable fishing practices.

He visited the village this week and handed over fishing material to the Natawarau Fishermen’s Association. Mr Thomas said FAO was committed to supporting sustainable fishing practices and the development of the fishing industry in Fiji.

“Your efforts have not only contributed to the achievement of food security and livelihood enhancement in your community but have also played an important role in the overall success of the FishFAD project across the Pacific,” he said.

The introduction of nearshore fish aggregating devices (FADs) has resulted in increased catch and income for fishers in Fiji, while also promoting sustainable fishing practices that conserve the marine ecosystem.

The project has also strengthened the capacities of fisher organisations in Fiji, which are crucial mechanisms for fishers to express their concerns and enhance their fishing efforts and incomes.

The visit was part of the FishFAD project, which represents a partnership with seven different countries in the Pacific, each in a different development stage in their nearshore fish aggregating device (FAD) fisheries.