Government has been urged to address the declining albacore tuna supplies to Levuka.
Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau said the town’s economy, along with the livelihoods of hundreds of women, depended heavily on continued support for Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO).
Responding to a ministerial statement in Parliament by Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu on the significant progress made in the management of South Pacific albacore, Mr Koroilavesau said while the regional cooperation and management strategy was a step forward, urgent domestic issues must not be overlooked.
He said there was a need for a stronger strategy to maximise returns but added that practical supply-side challenges remained unresolved.
“We had visited PAFCO some months ago, and I urge the minister to explore ways to increase the stock of albacore that is being given to Levuka,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
“Without PAFCO, Levuka will be dead.
“Without PAFCO, the employment that has contributed to the people of Lomaiviti, the island of Ovalau, and the town of Levuka, will be detrimental to everything we will try to improve in Levuka.”
He also acknowledged the minister’s emphasis on the value of the albacore industry and praised recent achievements such as the marine steward certification awarded to Fiji’s albacore tuna longline sector, which he said was the first of its kind for the country.
“Albacore, yellowfin and big eye form the backbone of Fiji’s tuna industry for our long line fleet that operates in our exclusive economic zone,” he said.
“Fiji’s albacore tuna longline has become the first in Fiji to receive and achieve the marine steward certification.
“The proportionate distribution of catch among the Pacific Island is a good move as it will assist the island nations to share these resources.
“There about 800-1000 women employed in PAFCO, and it’s a significant value for the economic activity within Levuka.
“I would implore that the minister explores other sources that will be able to increase the capacity of tuna that is provided to PAFCO in Ovalau,” Mr Koroilavesau said.
