The scourge of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to undermine efforts towards sustainable tuna management.

Ministry of Fisheries permanent secretary Rovereto Nayacalevu said despite concerted international efforts, IUU fishing persisted and deprived coastal states of much needed revenue, exacerbating overfishing, and undermining the effectiveness of conservation measures.

In his address at the 18th INFOFISH World Tuna Conference and Exhibition (TUNA 2024) in Bangkok, Thailand this week, he reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to combating IUU fishing through enhanced surveillance, cooperation with regional partners, and robust enforcement measures.

“In addressing these challenges, Fiji advocates for greater cooperation and collaboration among all regional and global stakeholders,” Mr Nayacalevu said.

“TUNA 2024 provides a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collective action towards fostering sustainable development and innovation within the global tuna industry.

“By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and goodwill of participating nations, we can forge innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, combat IUU fishing, and ensure the long-term viability of our tuna stocks.”

Mr Nayacalevu urged conference participants to seize the opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitment to advance blue transformation, sustainable development, and innovation within the global tuna industry.

“Together we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead, safeguarding our oceans for future generations and ensuring the prosperity of coastal communities worldwide.”