The Fiji Aquaculture Development Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 5 years covering the period from 2024 to 2028. The objectives of the Aquaculture Development Plan (ADP) are to: (i) increase the current value of aquaculture from 11.1 million Fiji dollars per annum to over 132 million Fiji dollars by 2028; (ii) reduce the value of imported seafood by around 70% by 2028; (iii) increase export earnings of cultured marine products from around 5 million Fiji dollars to over 80 million Fiji dollars by 2028; and (iv) promote Fiji aquaculture brand and its environmentally sustainable practices.
The Fiji Aquaculture Development Plan is a roadmap for developing aquaculture in Fiji. It introduces new policies and guidelines to help the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry (MOFF) grow the industry in a sustainable and competitive way. The plan also outlines how different programs will evolve and provides a clear strategy to achieve MOFF’s goals for the future of aquaculture. It focuses on making aquaculture easier to manage and more successful. Key priorities include simplifying regulations, conducting research, improving market access, strengthening biosecurity, raising public awareness, protecting the environment, attracting investment, promoting gender equality, and ensuring proper education and training for those in the industry.
This plan addresses the protection of national diverse genetic resources of tropical reefs, rivers and streams; sustainable use of aquatic resources; production transparency and product disclosure; development and operation of farms in a socially and culturally responsible manner; effective management and compliance with local law; increased contribution to blue economy; removal of plastics and investment in renewables; production of safe, high quality and sustainable seafood and other aquatic resources through aquaculture in Fiji.
Aquaculture development will help overcome overfishing and habitat degradation of wild fish stocks by providing an alternative source of seafood that does not rely on wild capture. It also contributes to securing the livelihoods of coastal communities, employment generation, economic development in coastal and rural communities, and protection of marine ecosystems. Small-scale fish farming operations will empower local farmers, women and youth, improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
Risks will be mitigated through proper planning and developing of methods and options to reduce threats, such as disease outbreaks, environmental hazards and pandemics. Energy-efficient practices will be promoted and feeding strategies will be improved to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resilience of the aquaculture sector will be increased through pond design modifications and species diversification. Aquaculture systems will be designed to handle climate challenges like droughts, floods, and temperature changes. By expanding food production and making it more resilient, aquaculture will help ensure food security despite climate change. Farmed seafood will be traded worldwide, giving people access to nutritious options in places where local fisheries are struggling. Global trade in aquaculture products will strengthen food security by supplementing local supply and offering a wider variety of seafood. Overall, aquaculture will play a key role in providing a sustainable and reliable source of nutritious food for future generations.
An Aquaculture Training Centre will be established to provide training for new recruits, re-training and ongoing upskilling of existing staff of the Ministry. The Government will make investments and allocate resources for the development of aquaculture and increased aquaculture production. This will create more jobs in rural areas, help farmers earn higher incomes, increase the value of aquaculture products, reduce reliance on imported seafood, boost exports of farmed marine products, and successfully promote Fiji’s aquaculture brand and environmentally friendly practices. This plan also promotes public private partnerships.
This plan involves developing model farms to showcase the benefits of regenerative aquaculture and inspire local communities to join the transformation, and prioritizes nine out of sixteen species to be developed to industry level. It also lays down individual commodity plans; including the development implementation plans of black-lip oyster, seaweed, shrimp farming, giant river prawn, tilapia, giant clam and rock/mangrove oyster.
The Fiji Aquaculture Development Plan is a roadmap for developing aquaculture in Fiji. It introduces new policies and guidelines to help the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry (MOFF) grow the industry in a sustainable and competitive way. The plan also outlines how different programs will evolve and provides a clear strategy to achieve MOFF’s goals for the future of aquaculture. It focuses on making aquaculture easier to manage and more successful. Key priorities include simplifying regulations, conducting research, improving market access, strengthening biosecurity, raising public awareness, protecting the environment, attracting investment, promoting gender equality, and ensuring proper education and training for those in the industry.
This plan addresses the protection of national diverse genetic resources of tropical reefs, rivers and streams; sustainable use of aquatic resources; production transparency and product disclosure; development and operation of farms in a socially and culturally responsible manner; effective management and compliance with local law; increased contribution to blue economy; removal of plastics and investment in renewables; production of safe, high quality and sustainable seafood and other aquatic resources through aquaculture in Fiji.
Aquaculture development will help overcome overfishing and habitat degradation of wild fish stocks by providing an alternative source of seafood that does not rely on wild capture. It also contributes to securing the livelihoods of coastal communities, employment generation, economic development in coastal and rural communities, and protection of marine ecosystems. Small-scale fish farming operations will empower local farmers, women and youth, improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
Risks will be mitigated through proper planning and developing of methods and options to reduce threats, such as disease outbreaks, environmental hazards and pandemics. Energy-efficient practices will be promoted and feeding strategies will be improved to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resilience of the aquaculture sector will be increased through pond design modifications and species diversification. Aquaculture systems will be designed to handle climate challenges like droughts, floods, and temperature changes. By expanding food production and making it more resilient, aquaculture will help ensure food security despite climate change. Farmed seafood will be traded worldwide, giving people access to nutritious options in places where local fisheries are struggling. Global trade in aquaculture products will strengthen food security by supplementing local supply and offering a wider variety of seafood. Overall, aquaculture will play a key role in providing a sustainable and reliable source of nutritious food for future generations.
An Aquaculture Training Centre will be established to provide training for new recruits, re-training and ongoing upskilling of existing staff of the Ministry. The Government will make investments and allocate resources for the development of aquaculture and increased aquaculture production. This will create more jobs in rural areas, help farmers earn higher incomes, increase the value of aquaculture products, reduce reliance on imported seafood, boost exports of farmed marine products, and successfully promote Fiji’s aquaculture brand and environmentally friendly practices. This plan also promotes public private partnerships.
This plan involves developing model farms to showcase the benefits of regenerative aquaculture and inspire local communities to join the transformation, and prioritizes nine out of sixteen species to be developed to industry level. It also lays down individual commodity plans; including the development implementation plans of black-lip oyster, seaweed, shrimp farming, giant river prawn, tilapia, giant clam and rock/mangrove oyster.
Title:
Fiji Aquaculture Development Plan 2024-2028.
Country:
Fiji
Type of document:
Policy
Files:
Date of text:
Repealed:
No