Parliament today passed the Fisheries Amendment Bill, giving the Ministry of Fisheries stronger powers to protect Fiji’s marine and freshwater resources.
Presenting the Bill in Parliament today, Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu said the the new law replaces the Fisheries Act of 1941, which was described as too old to deal with today’s problems including overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat damage.
“Our marine and freshwater resources are under pressure, this Bill gives us the tools to act quickly and protect the food and income of the 850 coastal communities who depend on these resources.”
Under the old law, the Ministry could only cancel a fishing license after a court conviction now the new Bill allows licenses to be suspended or cancelled as soon as a breach is committed. It also gives officers the power to search land-based sites like markets and processing facilities, not just vessels.
One major change is the introduction of fixed penalty notices similar to a speeding ticket for minor offences. Officers can issue on-the-spot fines, making enforcement faster and less costly.
“We are not here to punish people, we are here to protect the resource and make sure it lasts for future generations.”
The Bill also includes a clear appeal process for fishers whose licenses are denied or cancelled, giving small-scale operators a chance to be heard.
“This law is fit for purpose,” Minister Bainivalu said. “It’s built to protect our communities and make sure our fisheries are managed fairly and sustainably.”
