The Pacific Island region and its communities are vulnerable as they are particularly threatened by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The was highlighted by the Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau while officiating at the JICA-USP Symposium at the University of the South Pacific this morning.
Koroilavesau says that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, robs the Pacific of its development opportunities as it reduces revenue from fisheries, undermines investment and employment opportunities that threatens the sustainability of fish stocks.
He says through the academic courses offered by USP's Marine Studies program, practitioners are able to collectively contribute to new measures aimed at combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Koroilavesau says this is evident in the region's collaborative participation in the management of tuna resources under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
He says through community-based programs in addressing the need to replenish coastal resources, there is a growing number of marine protected areas and conservation initiatives implemented in Fiji and within the region.
