DERELICT fishing vessels Zhong Da 2 and Sunshine 86 have been successfully removed from Suva Harbour, marking the first step in a six-month effort to remove 17 additional derelict vessels and protect Fiji’s marine environment.
According to Blue Prosperity Fiji, the two fishing vessels were towed offshore and safely scuttled following strict cleaning and inspection procedures to ensure the operation did not harm the environment or nearby communities.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the operation responded to concerns raised by communities over the long-standing risks posed by derelict vessels.
“These derelict vessels have posed a direct threat to Suva Harbour’s communities, public safety, environment, and economy for years,” he said.
“This clean-up effort is a direct response to what communities have been asking for, and we are committed to preventing future abandonment.”
Fiji Ports Corporation’s acting CEO Suresh Prasad said the safe removal of derelict vessels remained a key operational priority.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) approved the locations where the vessels were scuttled, while the Department of Environment completed an Environmental Impact Assessment before the operation.
More vessels will be removed over the coming year through the $US1 million ($F2.20m) Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, which will also support legal reforms aimed at preventing future vessel abandonment.
Waitt Foundation and Institute founder and chairman Ted Waitt said the action reflected Fiji’s commitment to sustainable ocean management, which he added should take a holistic approach to ocean health by ensuring clean waters, sustainable fisheries, marine protection and economic growth.
