Project News

i) Fisheries Resource Management and Conservation (Coastal Fisheries) (23th - 27th Jan.)

A total of twelve (12) MoF participants attended the training, and JICA invited Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, an independent consultant, and Mr. Esaroma Ledua from USP to deliver lectures. The primary objectives of the training were as follows:

• Discuss the importance of healthy and productive coastal fisheries
• Review the sustainability of fisheries conservation and improvement of livelihood
• Take remedial action to improve ongoing projects
• Incorporate suggestions to update the project on sustainability of fisheries and improvement of livelihood
• Improve data collection and management.

As a result of the discussions between the training participants, lecturers, and JICA experts, the Research Division revised their proposal for a small-scale project titled "Assessing the Status of Coastal Fisheries Resources on Motoriki Island, Lomaiviti, Fiji Island". The project had been initiated in March, and JICA SDG14 Project has procured waterproof cameras, portable GPS devices, and two tablet computers to facilitate its implementation.

Participants of Phase 2 Training

Dr. Joeli provides lecture to the MoF participants

ii) Fisheries Resource Management and Conservation (Offshore Fisheries) (30th Jan. - 3rd Feb.)

The training was attended by a group of eight (8) MoF participants and was conducted by Dr. Satalaka Petaia and Mr. Esaroma. The training program covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Development of approaches that strike a balance between supporting the government policy of setting up the offshore MPA (conservation of 30% of Fiji waters) and the welfare of offshore commercial fishermen;
• Diplomacy and International Relations;
• Fisheries Economic tools and Statistical tools;
• Creating an environment for offshore fishermen negatively affected to invest in potential livelihood projects;
• Stakeholder participation and presentations; and
• Development of policies to support the implementation of offshore livelihood projects.

Additionally, as part of the training program, the participants conducted interviews with Pacific Fishing Company Ltd (PAFCO) in Levuka and game fishing industries in Denarau and Sigatoka to gather information about the potential positive and negative impacts of setting up the offshore MPA.

MoF participants conducted an interview with Pacific Fishing Company Ltd (PAFCO) in Levuka

Discussions about seafood processing industry based on observations of PAFCO.

Participants visited Denarau to conduct an interview on Game Fishing Industry as a potential livelihood project.

Participants discuss with boat owners of Game Fishing Industry in Singatoka