THE first watchtower built on Kia Island by the Government with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Fiji office and the Fiji navy has been commissioned.
Minister for Fisheries Kalaveti Ravu said it was a small-scale project under the Sustainable Development Goal 14 initiative.
“With the establishment of the watchtower on Kia, we anticipate an improvement in proper recording and reporting of incidents,” Mr Ravu said.
Despite the construction of the watchtower, Mr Ravu said it would require all sectors of society to play specific and vital roles in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
“This issue will be resolved when we embrace all our respective roles and responsibilities,” he said.
“Everyone playing their role will ensure effective monitoring, controlling and surveillance.”
JICA resident representative Satoshi Wakasugi said they assisted in providing the necessary equipment and materials for the construction of the tower.
“This was made possible under JICA’s technical cooperation project on Pacific Island capacity enhancement,” Mr Wakasugi said.
He said their projects in achieving the SDG 14 project would continue until March next year.
“The project aims to enhance the capacities of fisheries stakeholders, including the line ministry, in order to promote actions for achieving SDG 14.”
Mr Wakasugi said they were confident the watchtower would be adequately utilised and contribute to the effective monitoring and surveillance of illegal fishing activities around Kia Island’s fishing ground.
