After a unanimous decision in Parliament this week, Fiji has now agreed on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Fiji waters.

The Port State Measure is a tool aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of fish stocks as well as ensuring that there is control over the work done to eliminate the negative environmental, economic and social consequences posed by IUU fishing.

The threat of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing has affected many countries around the world. Some have lost a substantial amount of revenue which has affected the livelihood of its people.

A government statement has revealed that while the Port State Measure Agreement fills the gap in the international fisheries governance framework; it is consistent with the Government's Foreign Policy Agenda, in particular, its objective to build economic growth from sustainable use of natural resources.

Fiji's endorsement of the Port State Measure will now reaffirm the priorities reflected in Fiji's Ocean Pathway which was launched in Bonn, Germany last year.

In doing so, we as an independent nation are reinforcing Fiji's reputation as a responsible fishing State; and in turn help raise the standard of Port State Measures in the Pacific.

The implementation of the Port State Measures will allow Fiji to identify vessels of interest and illegal vessels that may visit our ports and allow Fiji to strengthen the region's ability to exclude illegal vessels from visiting vulnerable nations that have small administrations.

Fiji who is also a member of the Forum Fisheries Agency becomes the 6th member to agree to the world's first treaty designed to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Australia, New Zealand, Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu are also parties to the Agreement which is aimed at combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through robust implementing measures.