Govt has policies set up on fishing vessels dumping pollutants into Suva Harbour - AG

The Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has highlighted today in parliament that government has put in place a number of relevant policies and legislation to set up the roles and responsibilities of various agencies that will help manage and minimize the risk associated with fishing vessels dumping pollutants into the Suva Harbour.

Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa had questioned Sayed-Khaiyum on action government has taken to minimize the negative environmental implications on marine resources caused by deliberate pumping of oil into the Suva Habour

Sayed-Khaium says that the moment the incident occurred, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited deployed their pilot boats and pollution officers to the slipway adding that Fiji have the relevant oil spill equipment and chemicals to clean up the oil slip and residue and this was effectively utilized to control and mitigate any deadly environmental impacts from such a spill

Sayed-Khaiyum says given the fact that they have had the leakage by this particular vessel there is more of a heightened awareness and a need to ensure that there is proper monitoring at all times.

The Acting Prime Minister also revealed that there are three key agencies that are involved in monitoring foreign fishing vessels that enter Fiji waters or dock at sea ports and they include, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and Department of Environment.