A report from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency states that around 306,440 tonnes of fish were harvested illegally in the Pacific with an estimated cost of $US616.11m from 2010 to 2015.

This was highlighted by the Deputy Secretary of Defence, Ilai Moceica while presenting the Ministry of Defence submission on the Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and unregulated Fishing.

Moceica says this is a huge loss for many Pacific Island Communities economy and for the many islanders who rely on the fisheries sector for their livelihood.

He says the ratification and accession of the Agreement and its implementation will contribute to strengthen fisheries management and governance at all levels.

Moceica says becoming a party to this international agreement will have numerous direct and indirect economic benefit to Fiji and the region.

He says the illegal and unreported fishing is a maritime security challenge that needs to be addressed as it would not only have a direct impact on Fiji’s blue economy but also it will impact the livelihood of coastal and maritime communities.